Winter Tip: Set your fan to spin clockwise on a low setting to gently push warm air down and keep your space cozy.

Summer Tip: Switch it to spin counterclockwise to create a breeze that keeps you cool.

It’s a simple trick to make the most of your ceiling fan and love where you live—no matter the season!

The post How To Use Your Ceiling Fan All Year appeared first on Fath Properties Blog.

Don’t Be Them. Noise Edition.

As an apartment dweller, you share at least one wall with another resident. And you probably hear your neighbor from time to time. It’s to be expected. Have you ever seen the video Everyone’s Upstairs Neighbor? Back when it was created, The Washington Post wrote:

Of course, the video is hilariously exaggerated, but it does make one wonder: “Is that how I sound to my neighbors?” Yikes.

Keeping that in mind, strive to be the neighbor you wish you would always have.  

• Offer a smile and a wave to your neighbors when you see them.
• Step outside your apartment and listen to the volume of your music, TV, gaming, etc. If you can hear it, bet your neighbors can, too. Consider using headphones after 10:00 PM and before 9:00 AM if you like to pump up the volume.
• Planning to throw a party? Let your neighbors know what to expect and for how long – and perhaps extend them an invitation to join in the fun.

These simple steps can go a long way toward shared enjoyment of life in your apartment building and apartment community.

On the other hand, what can you do if it’s your neighbors making too much noise and commotion on their side of the wall? The simplest (though not always easiest) solution is to knock on their door and ask them to keep down any noise that they can control (electronics, a barking dog, etc.). You can explain you need your sleep, that you’re working from home, etc. A heart-to-heart with your neighbor will always be better received than getting management involved. But if you are faint of heart, another option is to contact your management company and ask them to issue a general email to all residents about noise. This keeps you (or your neighbor) from being singled out, but ideally will get the message across. If that fails, you can have your management company contact your neighbor directly, without implicating you. A good set of earplugs and a white noise machine or app on your phone can also work wonders.

Be a great neighbor and get one in return. Without the bowling balls.

The post Dont Be Them. Noise Edition. appeared first on Fath Properties Blog.

Stay Warm And Cozy This Winter, Part II

It’s January. Cold. Gloomy. Typically, it’s a quiet month without much to look forward to; the complete opposite of December. Spring seems a long way away. Did I mention the cold? Short days with – here in the Midwest – just 10 hours of daylight.  I don’t know about you, but my activity level is driven by sunshine. So, when my first winter living solo was particularly cold and dark (or maybe that was just my soul), I spent evenings living like a slug. Binge watching TV, eating popcorn for dinner, and drinking too much wine. In our “Stay Warm This Winter” blog post, we provided tips to help keep your apartment warm and cozy. Today we’ll chat about keeping yourself (your soul) warm and cozy during the dark days of winter.

Is there anything more warming than relaxing in a hot bath? As a matter of fact, there is. Adding Epsom salt to the bath. What is Epsom salt? It’s an ingredient used in a soak to treat minor aches and pains. It’s thought to soothe tired muscles and reduce swelling.

As a medication administered intravenously, it can stave off premature birth and alleviate seizures caused by several conditions, including magnesium deficiency, preeclampsia, and eclampsia. The most popular use for Epsom salt is in baths. While there isn’t strong scientific evidence supporting its effectiveness, many people say they feel relief for multiple symptoms by soaking in an Epsom salt bath.

Let’s look at how you can use it.

BATH SOAK

Epsom salts dissolve in water. Enthusiasts believe this allows magnesium and sulfates to be readily absorbed into skin. Whether this is sufficient for various treatments or not, Epsom salt is considered safe. It’s also easy to use, easy to find, and inexpensive.

There really is no downside to taking a warm bath, although it’s important to check with your doctor first if you have low blood pressure. This is because hot water can temporarily lower blood pressure.

The Mayo Clinic recommends adults use 2 cups of Epsom salt per gallon of warm water. More than that can make the water feel slippery. It may also be drying to your skin.

Lower concentrations you can try are:

• 300 grams (1.5 cups) of Epsom salt to 1 gallon of water
• 1 cup of Epsom salt to 1 gallon of water
• 2 cups of Epsom salt added to your bathtub of water

Soak for at least 15 minutes. If you’re soaking in an Epsom salt bath for aches and pains, make sure not to use water that’s too hot. This might worsen instead of reducing swelling.

Other ways to use Epsom salt in a soak:

• Create a detox bath.
• Create a detox footbath.
• Mix a foot soak for general use.
• Use Epsom salt water in a compress for direct application to sore muscles.
• Shop for Epsom salts for your bath.

Many Epsom salt advocates believe the amount of magnesium able to enter the body through the skin is sufficient for reducing swelling and relieving aches. It’s also thought that Epsom salts are effective for soothing skin and reducing irritation and itching.

Epsom salt bath side effects

When used as a soak, Epsom salt is generally considered safe. If you’ve never had an Epsom salt bath, consider testing a patch of skin with magnesium sulfate and water first. Avoid submerging broken skin in an Epsom salt bath. Stop use if you experience:

• itchy skin
• allergic reactions, like hives or rash
• skin infection

FOOT SOAK

Ultimate relaxation may be one of the most obvious health benefits of foot soaks, but research shows that soaking your feet in hot water for 15 to 20 minutes per day can do wonders for your mood, your energy level, your sleeping habits and any aches and pains that affect you — both in your feet and beyond.

To make use of the foot soak ideas below, be sure to have these basics:

• Tub. For each soak, you’ll want a bathtub, a large, shallow washbasin, or foot tub.
• Towel. Have a towel, bathmat, or drying cloth nearby, too.
• Time. Soak for 15 to 60 minutes.
• Warm water. Have some additional hot water available to freshen up the water if you’re not using a bathtub.
• Cool water. Finish each foot soak with a cool water rinse.

For relaxation and aromatherapy

When your ultimate goal is to relax and unwind, this recipe is just the ticket. According to a 2018 study, adding essential oils to your soak may help to relieve stress and anxiety, and put you in a more positive state of mind.

Aromatherapy ingredients

• 2 tbsp. carrier oil
• 5–20 drops of essential oils of choice
• 2 cups of Epsom salt
• 1/4 cup dried flowers, such as rose, chamomile, and lavender

Steps for foot soak

• Mix the carrier and essential oils in a large bowl.
• Add in the other ingredients to create a mixture.
• Slowly dissolve the mixture into the tub of hot water.
• If you have any leftover, store it in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.

Consider a nice soak the next time the cold and gloom of winter threaten to dampen your spirits. Here’s to a warm, cozy, and relaxing season!

RESOURCES: Healthline, Mayo Clinic

The post Stay Warm And Cozy This Winter, Part II appeared first on Fath Properties Blog.

I’m half Italian. My dad’s father was born in Calabria, Italy. He arrived as a boy in the United States in 1900 via Ellis Island. He was traveling with his father, his pregnant mother, and three siblings. The family settled in a duplex in a small town in New Jersey. My great-grandfather and great-grandmother lived on one side of the duplex, and when my grandfather married, he and his wife raised three children on the other side. My dad and his two sisters were actually born in the house. My father’s sister lived her entire life in the house (she lived to see 100) and her daughter now lives in the home. So you could say our family is steeped in tradition.

The Feast of the Seven Fishes was/is our Christmas Eve tradition. Although the venue changed over the years, the tradition remained. In recent years (like the last two decades), Christmas morning breakfast was added as a tradition with responsibility for the morning’s feast in my hands. Over the years, I experimented with a variety of breakfast foods; everything from frittatas made with leftovers from the night before to labor-intensive giant ravioli stuffed with ricotta and egg yolk. But one of our favorite Christmas morning breakfasts is also one of the easiest and most delicious. This is a dish you can make the night before and pop in the oven in the morning so you have plenty of time to languish with coffee and family while opening presents.

Christmas Morning Strata

8-10 servings

Takes about a half hour to prep, then an hour to bake.

Ingredients

• 6 large eggs
• 2 ½ cups whole milk
• 2 cups of sliced scallions (green onions)
• ½ cup whipping cream
• ½ cup grated Romano cheese (can substitute Parmesan)
• 2 tbsp. fresh oregano or 2 tsp. dried, crumbled
• ½ tsp. salt
• Ground black pepper, ideally freshly ground
• 1 pound Italian sausages (hot or mild) with casings removed
• 1 large red bell pepper, halved, seeded, sliced into ½” wide strips
• 1 one-pound rustic loaf of French or Italian bread cut into ½” thick slices
• 2 cups (loosely packed) grated Fontina cheese (or other cheese that melts nicely)
• Butter for coating the casserole dish

Preparation

Whisk the first seven ingredients together in a large bowl. Add ground black pepper to taste. Set aside.

In a large non-stick skillet, place sausage on one side and red pepper on the other. Saute over high heat, breaking up the sausage with a fork until it is cooked through and the peppers are brown in spots; about 7 minutes.

Arrange half the bread slices in a buttered 13” x  9” x  2” casserole. Pour half of the egg mixture on top. Sprinkle with half the cheese and half of the sausage/red pepper mixture. Repeat layering. Let it stand for 20 minutes if you're baking it shortly, or you can cover and refrigerate overnight. Press down on the bread at least once to ensure everything is submerged.

When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Bake uncovered for about an hour until the strada is puffed and brown. Cool slightly. Eat!

It is very nice served with fresh fruit or a simple green salad. Let’s not forget the mimosas, bloody Mary’s, screwdrivers, and/or salty dogs. And coffee.

I hope you try this strata and that it can become a tradition for your family, too—even if you’re not Italian. Happy Holidays, Fath friends!

The post Christmas Morning Breakfast appeared first on Fath Properties Blog.

Baby, it’s cold outside. But that doesn’t mean you should be cold inside! After once residing in a drafty 1890’s apartment, I had to learn fast how to keep warm. Hope my lessons learned keep you cozy this winter.

Light

How we dream of a bright, warm sun all cold, dark winter long. Although daylight hours are short, and the winter sun is not strong, it can help to warm your home. Keep your blinds open on sunny days. Sun streaming in your windows will help to warm your place and the sunlight will make the season seem less dreary. Once the sun sets, close your blinds to add a layer of insulation against the cold.

Layer

When I was a kid, my dad would turn the thermostat down to 60 degrees every night. When my brother, sister, and I complained that we were cold, he’d say, “Go put on a sweater.” So layering on a sweater or sweatshirt, snuggling up with a cozy throw, and wearing warm slippers or thick socks has been a life-long tradition. Thanks, Dad!

Drafts

Take a moment to see if there is any cold air coming in around doors and windows. Draft stoppers at your door or window can really cut down on the drafts. Even a rolled up towel can help! If you have curtains on your windows, you can add a plastic shower curtain liner on hooks. You can also try wide painter’s tape to cut drafts around doors and windows without worrying about damaging the walls or trim. You can also buy foam liners for your outlets and switch plates to block cold air drafts – especially helpful on outside walls.

Bedtime

Bring on the flannel sheets and flannel jammies! Flannel is just so cozy – and inexpensive! You can also layer up your bed with extra blankets and/or a throw. Years ago, I visited some friends in Denver. I cannot even describe how cold it was in their home at night. I put newspapers under my fitted sheet and wore my coat to be the first night. The next day I discovered that they kept a basement window open all winter. Whaaat?? But guess what? After a few nights, I realized I was getting great night’s sleep and no longer needed newspapers or coat. To this day, I like to sleep in a cool room – but with layers of flannel, blankets, and covers.

Use Your Oven and Stove

Leave your oven door open after each use. Whether backing, roasting, or broiling, this will allow the hot air to escape and add heat to the room. However, be cautious about doing this if you have children or pets; make sure they can't reach the hot oven door or inside the oven. And never use the oven as a primary source of heat, especially if your appliance uses natural gas. Burning natural gas for long periods can increase carbon monoxide levels in your home. Think about baking something long and slow, like a delicious, easy, loaf of bread. Make a sheet pan supper! One pan, easy clean up, warms up the kitchen.

Warm drinks

Besides warming up your space, you also can warm yourself from the inside. Opt for hot meals, such as a cup of soup, on cold days. And consider making your own soup from scratch, like chicken soup or chili. Soup generally takes a while to cook, and the simmering pot on the stove will generate heat in the kitchen.

Use a Humidifier

Humid air generally feels quite a bit warmer than dry air. And running the heat in the colder months can strip your indoor air of its humidity. To balance this, consider using a humidifier. Look for the models that allow you to choose between warm and cold air; they typically cost more but are well worth it for the heating ability.

Reverse the Ceiling Fan

It might seem counterintuitive to use a ceiling fan when you're feeling cold, but it actually can help to warm you up. Let your ceiling fan turn at a low speed in a clockwise direction during the colder months. This will help to push the warm air that rises toward the ceiling back down toward floor level.

Use Microwaveable Heating Pads

A microwavable heating pad fairly inexpensive, and  can make a huge difference when you're cold. As an added plus, you don’t need to be near an outlet to use it. Use a heating pad on your hands and feet when you're sitting or lying down to feel considerably warmer overall. You can even make a basic heating pad yourself by sewing dried beans inside a piece of 100 percent cotton fabric, which you then can microwave in 30-second increments until it's at your desired temperature.

Cuddle

Snuggles really can keep you warm. We all produce heat through our metabolic processes and lose our heat to the environment as we maintain body temperature. Increasing skin contact decreases opportunities for the heat to be lost to the environment around us. If two people are under a blanket both of their heat losses combined can increase the temperature under the blanket more quickly than either could do independently. Plus, it’s fun.

Clear Heat Vents, Registers, and Radiators

Pull furniture, curtains, and other items away from heat vents, registers, and radiators. If they're blocked, the heat won't be able to circulate.

Do Something Active

Movement generates body heat. And there are many ways to get your body temperature up by being active. For instance, you could clean the house, exercise, dance, or play a game. Consider setting a timer as a reminder to get up and move every so often, so your body doesn't become so cold and stiff that you don't feel like being active.

While I like to dream of being someplace warm and sunny on a cold winter’s day, the idea of cozying up in a comfy sweatshirt and fluffy slippers while sipping hot chocolate under a fuzzy throw and binge-watching Netflix doesn’t sound too bad. Although I am counting the days until the pool opens. Just sayin’.

The post Stay Warm and Cozy in Your Apartment This Winter appeared first on Fath Properties Blog.

Out, Damned Spot; Out I Say!

• Lady Macbeth

Racked with guilt over her complicity in the murder, Shakespeare’s Lady Macbeth famously exclaims, “Out, damned spot; out I say!” while wringing her hands to remove a hallucinated bloodstain. You may be tempted to say something similar – or much worse – when suddenly faced with a horrifying spill of red wine on your carpet.

It’s always a sad moment when that delicious glass of red winds up on the floor instead of in your belly. My good friend Stacy never fails to drip, dribble, spill, or splash whenever we get together. I have honestly never met anyone as clumsy with food and drink as she. Fortunately for us both, she is also a wizard at removing stains from everything – including carpet – with products you already have in your home.  Her advice?

• Blot Up ASAP. Gently blot with paper towels from the outside edge of the spill to the center. Act quickly before the wine’s natural dyes and acids work their way into the carpet fibers.
• Select a Solution. See four options below:
  • Straight club soda.
  • One tablespoon each of white vinegar and liquid dish soap mixed in two cups of warm water.
  • Table salt – enough to cover the spill.
  • Wine removal product such as Wine Away (under $10 from Amazon).
• Test Solution. Test the solution on a small inconspicuous area for colorfastness.
• Dab and Blot. Dab your solution of choice in small amounts on the spill with a soft, clean white cloth (an old T-shirt will do nicely!), again working your way from the outside of the spot to the center. Don’t be tempted to dump the mixture all over the stain as it will cause it to spread and may damage the carpet’s backing.
  • NOTE: If using salt, cover the stain, let sit until dry, then vacuum.
• Rinse. Rinse the cloth frequently to avoid spreading or reintroducing the wine to the area.
• Rest. Let everything sit for five to 10 minutes.
• Rinse. Rinse the area with cold water.
• Blot and Repeat. Blot with a white towel. Repeat until no more color transfers to the towel.

Theoretically, you can use white wine to remove a red wine stain by following the above steps.. If wasting any wine on a spill shocks you to your core, consider having vinegar, salt, or Wine Away at the ready before you pop the cork.

Cheers!

The post How To Remove Red Wine Stains appeared first on Fath Properties Blog.

A few years back, my boyfriend introduced me to his tiny, lodge-y, weekend getaway at a rural community on a lake. During my first visit, we attended a spur-of-the-moment get-together with some of his neighbors. It was a surprising night for me in two ways. First of all, everyone treated me like they’d known me forever. As a gal with definite introvert tendencies, this was most welcome and a great “note-to-self” for my own future hosting. Secondly, everyone brought their own drinks and a snack to share. Brilliant! Essentially, all the host had to provide was ice and toilet paper. Talk about stress-free entertaining! Piggybacking off this experience, here’s our complete guide on how to host a potluck.

Why Host a Potluck?
Whether you’re new to the neighborhood or a veteran resident, a successful potluck party can help create and solidify friendships and make you feel right at home in your apartment community. It’s a fun way to make memories and create long-lasting friendships. It’s a great way to host without breaking the bank, and it’s a no-brainer because people like to eat. And hosting a potluck will create a foundation to build upon to eventually host gatherings where you provide everything…and do all the work.

Getting Started
Invite some people: your besties, relatives, coworkers, apartment neighbors – mix and match! Decide how many people your home/dining table can comfortably accommodate and plan your guest list accordingly. Consider how many place settings you have – plates and silverware. Do you have serving spoons? If not, be sure your guests know to bring one for their dish. How much guest parking is available near your apartment? Don’t forget to let your guest know where they should park. If your apartment community is gated, let your visitors know how to get in so there’s no awkwardness upon arrival.

Planning any kind of get-together can be daunting. How much food should there be? What drinks should be served, and how many will be needed? A potluck solves these problems. If everyone brings food to share there will be plenty. When they also bring their own drinks, you have no decisions to make about quantities or types of refreshments to have on hand. Do make sure you have plenty of ice and glassware.

Hosting a potluck that satisfies all appetites is easier if you create a theme. This will help make your meal complete and cohesive. Just make sure your guests advise you what they plan to bring so you can make sure there aren’t duplicates and that all portions of the meal are covered. Here are some creative potluck theme ideas to choose from for your next apartment gathering.

Apartment Potluck Themes

RESTAURANT COPYCAT

Have your guests pick a dish from their favorite restaurant in town to recreate. Who knows what you’ll end up with? Pasta, empanadas, cupcakes, tacos. So many possibilities. It’s a great theme if your guests are foodies as their contributions will assure a variety of interesting dishes that will spark conversation about the best restaurants and best foods in your area.

TEX-MEX

Who doesn’t like Tex-Mex? With simple recipes and affordable ingredients, you can’t go wrong with a Tex-Mex potluck theme. Mexican-American dishes are delicious, filling, and difficult to botch – even for the novice chef. Opt for a Tex-Mex Night and make sure that everyone brings a different dish so you don’t end up with six jars of salsa and bags of chips.

COMFORT FOODS

Everyone has a dish that reminds them of home. My mom used to make a dish she called Surprise Packages. She’d make foil pouches filled with sliced potatoes, a hamburger patty, a slice of onion, sliced carrots and peas. They were awful, but my siblings and I never tire of teasing her about them, and my father loved them. Maybe your friends have better offerings like their mom’s chili, dad’s Sunday gravy, Thanksgiving’s sweet potato casserole, or a family recipe that’s been passed down for generations. Ask your potluck guests to bring a family favorite and prepare to enjoy a wide range of heartwarming foods along with a night of nostalgic memories!

SOMETHING YELLOW

Theme your potluck with this cheery color and be prepared for a night of mac and cheese, coconut curry with mango, buffalo chicken dip, and cornbread. Once you open your mind to seemingly random themes, the possibilities are endless. Colors, letters, and numbers are all great places to start. Be relatively lax about the “rules” and see what creativity your guests bring to the table. What might seem odd in the beginning could end up being your favorite potluck theme in the end.

FARMERS MARKET FAVES

If you’re looking for a way to make your potluck dishes more cohesive but don’t want to limit your guests to a specific cuisine, consider a theme involving where they shop for their ingredients. A farmer’s market theme is also an excellent way to support local businesses like Findlay Market in Cincinnati, Yankee Street Market in South Dayton, or Dallas Farmer’s Market. With dishes centered around in-season ingredients you’ll end up with similarities throughout your dinner spread — and high-quality ingredients, too!

THE VEGGIE

Have your meat-loving friends step outside of their comfort zones. Challenge everyone to add some type of vegetable to their dish — including the desert! A veggie tray would be a no-brainer, but there are many veggie dishes that are so hearty, no one will miss the meat. Like Alison Roman’s Spiced Chickpea Stew which went viral >> #thestew. And who doesn’t like carrot cake or banana bread? The options are endless and delicious for a plant-based potluck theme.

HOME STATE ORIGINALS

A classic potluck theme, friends bring an iconic home state dish. In Kentucky, that could be a Kentucky Derby favorite, burgoo. How about a recreation of Cincinnati’s Skyline Chili? Dayton-style square-cut pizza is a fun option, or how about one of these seven classic dishes famous in Dallas? Not only does this potluck theme have the potential to be delicious, but it can also spark some great conversation between guests about their home states.

SALAD BAR

A wonderful theme for spring and summer months, a salad bar is easy, fresh, and tasty. There’s always plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables available in season, but don’t forget about other warm-weather staples like pasta or potato salad! A salad bar theme is perfect for a light, refreshing dinner that will require no reheating.

CASSEROLE CREATIONS

Casseroles are great for cooler months. Hot, comforting casseroles are what everyone craves during the fall and winter. And they tend to be easy to make. How about a gooey mac and cheese or a tater-tot casserole? For dessert, think apple crisp and/or blueberry cobbler.

COOKOFF

Another fun idea is to have everyone bring the same dish and see who makes it best. Think: a chili cookoff, taco night, or a chocolate chip cookie bakeoff.

So, make a guest list, send out invitations, dust and vacuum, stock up on toilet paper, set the table, and let the potluck party begin! If you and your guests have as much fun as I think you will have, consider a monthly rotation from one person’s home to another. Eat and drink your way to closer friends and better neighbors.

The post How To Host A Potluck appeared first on Fath Properties Blog.

Paws-itively Paw-some Christmas Pet Events Near You!

Get your furry friend/s in on the holiday festivities this year! We’ve rounded up a few paws-itively pet-friendly things you and your fluffy friend can do together in and around our Cincinnati, Dayton, and Dallas locations. Please be sure your best buddy says “woof!” to Santa Paws for us!

OAKLEY, OHIO

Red Dog’s Santa Paws at MadTree

• Saturday, December 7, 11 AM – 5 PM
• 3301 Madison Rd.

Get an adorable digital photo of your pet with Santa for a $15 suggested donation to @leagueforanimalwelfare ! (Cash or Card). This year there is a new backdrop and set up for a fresh 2024 holiday photo!! Come join the holiday cheer with Red Dog at:@madtreebrewing
Pet Nights with Santa

Photos by:Alyssa Jeanine Photography
Santa played by: Lee of Mudpups’ Dog Training & Behavioral Services.

Paw it Forward!
They will collect dog & cat toy donations for the shelter pets to make their holiday extra special! Please bring your donations to the event. Fill up your dog’s stocking by shopping with Local Pet Businesses at Santa Paws!

Photos may take up to one week to edit before link is shared to Red Dog’s Facebook page. Please follow Red Dog to watch for the photo link.

Please note: Santa will need to take small breaks. Ther elves will work as fast as PAWsible to keep the line moving, so each dog has plenty of time with Santa, to get an adorable keepsake to cherish forever! During Santa’s breaks, have a beer, enjoy food, and shop with the small businesses on-site!

Event is free to attend, and all friendly, leashed dogs are welcome!

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ERLANGER, KENTUCKY

Santa Paws Photos

• Paws Canine Training
• Saturday, November 16, 4-7:30 PM
• Sunday, November 17, 10 AM – 1:30-PM
• 2844 Crescent Springs Pike #B, Erlanger, KY, US, 41018

Mark your calendars for Santa Paws Photos! This dog-friendly event will be held each day from (times vary based on appointment) to (times vary based on appointment). Sponsored by Allies Walkabout and For Paws Canine Obedience Training. Admission is a $35 donation and benefits Second Shot.

Get a photo with your best friend in plenty of time for your holiday card or to give as a gift at this fun event! There will also be music, snacks, campfires, beverages and more.

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WEST CHESTER, OHIO

Bass Pro Shops Santa’s Wonderland

• Now – December 24
• RSVPs required
• 5951 Bass Pro Dr, West Chester, OH, US, 45069

Mark your calendars for Bass Pro Shops Santa’s Wonderland! This dog-friendly event will be held from (open times vary by day) to (close times vary by day; visit website for details) on Nov 3, 2024, to Dec 24, 2024, at Bass Pro Shops in West Chester, OH, US. Admission is free; reservations are recommended to see Santa. Experience the magic of Christmas with Fido! Visitors receive a free 4×6" photo with Santa. Other photo packages are available for purchase. Reservations are highly recommended and can go quickly.

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KENWOOD, OHIO

Pet Photos with Santa

• November 11 – December 10, 4-7 PM Mondays & Tuesdays
• 4 PM – 7 PM
• Kenwood Towne Center Lower Level Center Court

Need a new holiday tradition or just want to get into the Christmas spirit with your pets? Don’t miss pet photos with Santa! Break out the ugly Christmas sweaters and dress your furry friends up for an un-fur-gettable photo shoot.

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MT. ADAMS, OHIO

Reindog Parade

Voted the “Best Family Event” in Cincinnati!

• Saturday, December 14. Registration begins at 12:30; the parade starts at 2:00 PM
• The Monastery, Mt. Adams. The parade will be led by Santa himself!

Dog Registration: 12:30 pm – 1:45 pm at 946 Pavilion (the parking lot between El Barril and The Hilltop)

There is no fee to register. Parade viewing starts at 2:00 and lasts until the last Holiday Dog finishes the route!

This unique parade, sponsored by The Mt. Adams Business Guild, has been a Mt. Adams tradition for over 20 years. The procession through the streets of Mt. Adams will be led by Santa himself, flanked by our Grand Marshall, Thom Brennaman

Every year we have a group of celebrity and sponsor judges that help us choose the best costumed dogs for prizes. Costume categories: Small Dogs (under 25 lbs), Large Dogs (26 lbs and over), Dog/Owner Look-A-Like, and Group (3 or more dogs). Be creative – we’re looking for fun, unique, and festive costumes for each category!

Great Raffle Prizes!  Private Wine Tasting for 10 from Revel OTR, plus many more local gift cards Food and vendors will be available before the parade, so come on down and join the party ahead of time!

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ROCKWALL, TEXAS

Paint Your Pet! Christmas Edition!

• Thursday, December 12, 6-9 PM
• 513 E I-30 Rockwall

This is an advanced, custom class. Limited seating is available, and photos of your pet must be submitted prior to the event. Please send photographs of the pet you’re planning to paint back to the email address: [email protected]

Due to the difficult nature of this painting, the age is set at 15 & Up.
If you have an extraordinary young artist in their teens, they may do fine with this painting, and would be allowed to attend at your discretion.

Adults over 21 are welcome to BYOB.

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Downtown Dallas Christmas Vendor Market

• Sunday, December 8, Noon – 4 PM CST

• Harwood Park 408 S Harwood St, Dallas, TX 75201

Bring Fido to browse the 25+ local vendors at this seasonal event! There will be specialty cocktails, restaurants on site, permanent jewelry, handcrafted items, lawn games and more! Leashed pups are welcome.

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GARLAND, TX

Bass Pro Shops Santa’s Wonderland

• Now – December 24
• RSVPs required
• 5001 Bass Pro Dr, Garland, TX, US, 75043

Mark your calendars for Bass Pro Shops Santa’s Wonderland! This dog friendly event will be held from (open times vary by day) to (close times vary by day; visit website for details) on Nov 3, 2024 to Dec 24, 2024 at Bass Pro Shops in Garland, TX. Admission is free; reservations are recommended to see Santa. Experience the magic of Christmas with Fido! Visitors receive a free 4×6" photo with Santa. Other photo packages are available for purchase. Reservations are highly recommended and can go quickly. Hours vary by store.

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DALLAS, TX

Pet Photos with Santa

• Saturday, December 7
• 9 -11 AM
• 8484 Walnut Hill Ln, Dallas, TX, US, 75231

ring Fido to get his picture taken with jolly old Saint Nick! There'll also be vendors, hot cocoa, treats, raffle items and more. Mark your calendars for Pet Photos with Santa! This dog friendly event will be held from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM on December 7, 2024 at CHEW Animal Clinic in Dallas, TX, US. Sponsored by Haute Dog Pet Photography. Admission is a $10 donation.

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DAYTON, OHIO

Cabela's Santa's Wonderland

• Daily Now – December 24
• 5500 Cornerstone N Blvd, Centerville, OH, US, 45440
• RSVPs required

Experience the magic of the holidays with Fido! Visitors receive a free 4×6 photo with Santa. Other photo packages are available for purchase. Reservations are highly recommended and can go quickly. Hours vary by store.

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MIDDLETOWN, OHIO

Fall Crafts and Drafts Fest

• Sunday, November 17
• 10:30 AM – 2:00 PM
• 1330 Manchester Ave, Middletown, OH, US, 45042

Guests and their furry friends are invited to enjoy a beer and delicious food while checking out a variety of vendors! You'll find a diverse range of artisanal items, jewelry, handcrafted fall and winter items, sweets, and more.

WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP, OHIO

Friends of SICSA Holiday Bazaar

• Friday, December 6, Noon – 7:00 PM
•  Saturday, December 7, 9 AM – 4 PM
• SICSA 8172 Washington Church Rd. Washington Township, OH 45458

Come shop pet beds, blankets, and toys; handmade gifts for you and pet lovers, and much more! Make lasting memories by getting a picture with Santa (Saturday 9am to 3pm). Cost: $10 pictures – All proceeds help our animals.

Happy Ho-Ho-Holidays to you and your pup from your friends at Fath Properties.

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Clean Your Fridge

I am not happy with whomever invented Clean Out Your Fridge Day which is “celebrated” on November 15. Do we really need to be reminded that although the rest our place looks presentable, there’s probably something creepy, hairy, stinky, and unknown lurking in the back corner of the crisper drawer? Clearly, we do, or this day would not exist. My fridge is like my closet. It will go for weeks – dare I say months – looking tidy and clean and then suddenly, out of seemingly nowhere, it looks like elves performed some horrible mischief in the night. My once neat, organized, color-coded (yes, I am THAT girl) closet is a sloppy wreck with clothes falling off the hangers and the fridge contains mysterious science-fair-like “stuff”. And it’s not like cleaning either is hard; it’s just an annoyance and an awful way to spend a Saturday morning when you could be brunching on eggs benedict and sipping mimosas. So, what is one to do? As in the words of a dear friend of mine, “Just git ‘er done”. Here’s a few tips on making this god-forsaken process a wee bit less miserable.

Prepare a Staging Area

Obviously, you must remove all the food from the fridge to clean it. Short on counter space? Set up a little folding table or use a few chairs. I am pretty successful with just removing food from one section at a time, cleaning it, and putting it back before moving on. For a complete, and uber thorough clean, put your food in a cooler. Whatever you use, you need at least enough room to hold a shelf’s worth of stuff. Make sure your kitchen sink is empty, too. While you’re at it, put the recycling bin nearby as you’ll likely be tossing expired items.

Gather Your Supplies

You won’t need much. White vinegar and/or dish soap, a spray bottle or a big bowl, a sponge and/or a scrubby, and paper and/or microfiber towels, all or most of which you probably already have on hand.  The vinegar breaks down grease and grime, and when mixed with hot water in a spray bottle (or bowl, or dishpan, or bucket), it becomes a food-safe cleaner that’s perfect for any gunk that might have accumulated on refrigerator shelves. The other items on the list will help you wipe, scrub, dry, and shine.

Work Shelf by Shelf

While some people have enough counter space (is there ever really enough?!?) to completely empty their refrigerators before cleaning, I find working one shelf at a time is often the best method, because you don't want to leave your perishables out for too long.

• Start at the top.
• Remove everything from a shelf and see just how messy you (or those darn elves!) have been.
•  If there are spills, carefully remove the glass from the frame (or brackets, depending on your fridge) and clean both sides, as well as the edges, with the vinegar solution.
• Dry with paper or microfiber towels.
• Wash the frame that holds the glass before replacing the entire shelf. For that, I usually head to the sink and use dish soap and hot water.
• If there aren’t any caked-on spills that require shelf removal, simply run a scrubby sponge under hot water. Give the shelf and fridge walls an initial scrub to loosen any gunk. Then, spray it all down with cleaner and give it another scrub, before wiping everything clean with a microfiber cloth.

NOTE: When you’re not actively working in the fridge, close the door to keep everything as cool as you can.

Doors and Drawers

Refrigerator drawers often accumulate debris, especially if they’re used for produce. For a deep clean, remove the drawers and wash them in the kitchen sink with soap and water. If they won’t fit in your sink, spray and wipe them clean, and dry them before putting them back. While the drawers are removed, wipe down the walls and “floor” of the fridge with the vinegar cleaner. Use the same method for the shelves inside the doors.

Clean It Before You Put It Back

Now that your fridge is sparkling (and you realize it wasn’t THAT BAD to clean), be sure to wipe down jars, containers, and condiment bottles so you don’t bring gunk back into the fridgeEven if it doesn’t appear dirty, it’s a good idea to give the bottom a quick wipe with a damp microfiber cloth, especially if the shelf was sticky. If any bottles or jars have accumulated a little goo on the outside, rinse them under warm water then wipe them clean and dry. If gunk has accumulated around the seal or the edges of the cap, take the lid off and wash it more thoroughly in the sink. Check all expiration dates and toss anything that’s expired, like the sriracha I just threw away from 2017. Hmmm.

Wipe Down the Outside

Once everything is back in your sparkling fridge, use a clean microfiber cloth and the vinegar spray to wipe down the outside of the doors, including the edges and seals, and don’t forget the handles! The worst area will undoubtedly be to top of the fridge as it tends to collect greasy residue from cooking and dust. I like keeping a kitchen towel on top that can just be thrown in the wash.

Keep It Fresh

You did it and you lived to tell the tale! Enjoy your super-clean fridge. For a while, anyway. If you want to keep it smelling fresher longer, stick an open box of baking soda on one of the shelves. Now treat yourself to brunch with a Bloody Mary. You deserve it.

The post Clean Out Your Fridge appeared first on Fath Properties Blog.

Winter Energy Savings Tips

Old Man Winter has come knocking on our doors a bit early this year with a cold reminder to keep ourselves warm and cozy without breaking the bank and paying for utilities. It’s especially important now, as inflation has driven up the cost of just about everything.

Start by taking a walk around your apartment. I know, I know, you know your apartment like the back of your hand, but this time look closely at things that can affect your ability to keep your place comfortable even on the coldest days.

Furniture

Look at the placement of your furniture. Make sure all furnishings at least eight inches from heat registers and vents to allow for proper circulation. Check the areas behind your sofa, bed, dresser, and other large pieces to be sure they are not blocking precious warm airflow. A rule of thumb is to allow at least eight inches of space around your registers to ensure good air circulation.

Windows

Double-check to make sure all windows are shut tightly. Locking your windows can provide an extra bit of snug fit. Even double-paned windows can feel cold when it’s frigid outside. It is normal for windows and the surrounding area to feel cold to the touch, since glass is not a good insulator.

A rolled towel on the windowsill can help the window feel less chilly, especially if the window frame is metal.  Keep your blinds open on sunny days to let as much warmth in as possible, but do close them tightly once the sun goes down. Adding an extra layer such as a plastic barrier or a draft-blocking curtain can really help. Insulated drapes and curtains are the best way to minimize the effect of this cold air on the apartment's temperature.

If there are still heavy drafts around windows, please call your leasing office to have the maintenance crew check them.

Doors

Check for drafts around any exit doors. If you feel a draft, you may need new weather stripping or a new door sweep. Your maintenance team can help you with that. Even with a good door sweep, you may still feel a chill coming in.  A door snake can really make a difference.

Outlets

Cold air can also find its way into your home through the outlets and switch plates on exterior walls. Really! Fortunately, there’s a product for that (of course). You can also check with your utility company as some of them will provide these at no charge.

Wall Air Conditioner Unit

If you have a wall AC unit, make sure the vent(s) are in the ‘closed’ position and that there is no air sweeping in around the units.

Baseboard Registers

If you have baseboard registers, make sure the metal flap inside is lifted all the way up and that you can see inside the register. This flap acts as a vent; if it is resting down on the front panel, the heat cannot escape.

Thermostat

If you have a forced air system, make sure your thermostat is set on ‘Heat’ and ‘Auto’. You can be like my Dad and turn the heat down to 60 degrees at night. Sounds awful at first, but sleeping in a cool room in flannel jammies and under a warm comforter or cozy blanket can provide you with a surprisingly great night’s sleep!

Attire

You’ve heard the saying Dress For Success. In the winter, it becomes Dress For Warmth. Get cozy at home by wearing seasonal attire like wool sweaters, heavy shirts (flannel!), sweatshirts, warm pants, wooly socks and/or fluffy slippers. Maybe a Snuggie?? Top this with a furry throw and you’ll be all set. Make my Dad proud.

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