Get Ready for Fall with Your 5 Senses

There are signs that Autumn is just about here. The kids are back in school, the days are shorter, and you can feel a little breeze in the air. It's a great time to start noticing the natural transformation and embracing your five senses to make your fall oasis. Here are five things that you can do to get all of your senses ready for fall.

1. Vision: Add the Fall Decor

Let the decorating begin with visuals around your kitchen and home! Start by changing your kitchen decor with Autumn colored napkins, leaf shaped napkin rings, earthy center piece, fall themed table runner, fall colored flowers with a neutral vase, a fun fall picture or a decorative calligraphy sign, and more. Decorating the room with warm colors will definitely get you into the season.

2. Taste: Baskets of Fruits and Veggies

Make sure to load up on the fall fruits and veggie favorites and have them out in either a basket or a bowl. You can get things like  apples, pears, mini pumpkins, berries and cherries,  corn, squash, eggplants, and more. These will provide natural colors into your kitchen, but make you want to have healthy snacks which will make your taste buds get into the season. I also challenge you to try new recipes for dinner with some of these fruits and vegetables.

3. Smell: Burn those Candles and Bake On

The temperature is about to get a little more chill at night. Get a little warmer by bringing out fun candles. Gravitate towards candles with warm colors like brown, gold, red, yellow, orange, and white which will fill the room with fall. Look for fragrances like pumpkin Chai,  cinnamon apple, frosted cranberry,  vanilla birch, and autumn leaves. Baking more will also bring yummy smells into your home. Try baking a pies, bread, corn bread, cinnamon rolls, and more.

4. Touch: Settle Ways to Feel Fall

This sense is one that we least think about and is more settle. Think about opening your window to feel the colder breeze go through your hair. You can place fall themed rugs on the floor to keep your toes warmer. This will keep the floors free from the crunchy leaves and dirt that comes from outside.  Bring out your favorite house slippers or fuzzy fall socks as another layer of warmth in your home. Or turn on the fireplace to feel the warmth of the log burning.

5. Hearing: Get the Family Together

Again, opening the window will provide you also with the touch of the wind, but also the sounds of fall. You will hear animals making noises and trees moving in the wind and is a natural way of bringing Autumn in from outside. But the big way to hear fall is to have dinner together at the table. Fall is all about bringing family and friends together; what better way to do that by having dinner together. The sound of the kids playing right before you sit down, the laughter of a joke, and the storytelling  throughout your meal.  Togetherness is the real spirit of Autumn!

When you do all of these things, you will definitely get into the spirit of the season. Take a few moments tonight and throughout fall to gather the family together and enjoy every aspect of fall.

The Difference Between French Door vs Side-By-Side Refrigerator

Kevin Drako is here to show you a few things to consider when deciding if a French door or side-by-side refrigerator is best for you and your family.

The great thing about both units is that French doors and side-by-side refrigerators both have options of having a water and ice dispenser in the front with control panels. Both have options to not have this in the front. The other great thing is that both units come in different finish options. You can match your other appliances with different colors such as white, black, stainless steel, slate, black stainless steel, and more. 

The big question that you should ask yourself is "does my family eat more frozen foods or fresh foods"? This question can determine if you need a unit with more freezer space or refrigerator space.

If your family makes a lot of big dishes with over-sized baking trays, you will need that extra room in your refrigerator and a French door option might be best. If you eat tons of sandwiches and pack on a bunch of meat, cheese, and veggies the deli pantry and refrigerator doors in a French door might be very useful for you. If you eat tons of fruits and veggies (like your suppose to) and more natural foods, a French door is going to be a great choice.

On the other side, if your family makes a lot of frozen foods such as frozen pizza, lasagna, or other frozen meals, a side-by-side might be a better option. With a French door, you have to stack your frozen foods on top of each other, making it hard to reach things or even see some of the foods that you have in your freezer. You may also get into situations where you have to bend over or get on your knees to maneuver through the things in your freezer.

If you have children, there are a few things to consider. If you want them to learn how to be independent and grab their own snacks and help out with dinner, think about how tall they are and that it might be a little harder for them to get things that are in a French door fridge. A side-by- side is nice in that you can see and grab things from both the freezer and refrigerator side equally and more easily than a French door. You can also see and grab all of the frozen foods a little more easily.

Can you fit a frozen turkey in a side-by-side? Maybe a small one, but probably not a big one. You may want to consider having a chest freezer in the garage or basement. If you have a side-by-side and make a big casserole, you might not have enough room to put it in your fridge and may consider getting a second fridge and keep it in the garage or basement. If you choose a French door, you might need more freezer space and need to get a chest freezer or second fridge.

The options are endless. After watching this video which option is best for you and why? If you have more questions, stop by one of our locations and we can answer any additional questions or concerns you may have. It's always best to see these options in person.

6 Camping Tips for a Fun-Filled Summer Adventure!

Summer is here- time to plan your family vacation! This year, why not skip the expensive resorts and overblown theme parks and head back to nature? A camping trip can be fun for all ages without breaking the bank. Here are some helpful tips so you can get the most out of your camping trip, whether it’s your first time in the wilderness or you are a seasoned outdoorsman (or outdoorswoman!)

Reserve a campsite

 You may think you can just load your gear into the SUV and head to the nearest campground to begin your outdoor adventure, but you’d be in for a rude awakening. Popular campsites can book up months in advance, especially during holiday weekends, so it is a must to call ahead and make a reservation.

Tent size matters

Do you want to share a large tent with your whole family, or would you prefer to have the kids in one tent and you and your spouse in another? These are things to consider before you head to the camping supply store. While you may enjoy the value of purchasing only one tent, keep in mind that this limits your privacy and also can be harder to put up and break down than a smaller tent.

Don’t cheap out on sleeping bags

 The quality of your sleeping bag largely determines the quality of sleep you’ll be getting on your trip, so it’s not a good time to skimp. Consider that this bag will need to fit your body and keep you comfortable in the outdoor conditions, so be sure to read reviews ahead of time to determine what’s right for you.

Follow woodburning restrictions

 Sure, there’s nothing quite like a roaring campfire, but if you live in an area that is in the midst of a drought, or if you have a naturally dry climate, you must check to make sure there are no woodburning restrictions prior to building a fire. Park rangers will not hesitate to fine you for an illegal burn, so be sure to check ahead of time.

Start a fire the first time!

When it comes to building a campfire, the actual process of getting it started can be tedious. Bring cotton balls smeared with petroleum jelly to ensure an easy start to your fire every time. Dryer lint also works as a great fire starter, if you want to have a use for all the lint you pull out of the trap.

One-pot meals for the win

 Cooking over a campfire or a portable camp stove can be great fun, but can also lead to frustrating cleanup. Keep it simple with one-pot meals that can be easily prepared and enjoyed with minimal cleanup afterwards. This blog has a bunch of great campfire recipe ideas that can be prepped at home ahead of time!

Does your family have a special tradition or pro tip for surviving the great outdoors? Let us know in the comments section.

What's in Your Backpack? Theme Park Essentials for Ultimate Summer Fun

The countdown to summer is on! Kids all across the country are excitedly awaiting a summer vacation full of fun in the sun! For parents who are busily planning their kids’ summer activities, theme parks are almost certainly at the top of your list. Make sure to be prepared for a day at the theme park with your family by making sure you pack these must-have items:

Tickets- There’s nothing quite as bad as getting to the front of a theme park admission gate with excited kids only to realize you left the tickets on the dining room table. While most amusement parks now accept digital passes on your mobile device, some smaller theme parks keep it old-school, demanding traditional paper tickets for admission. Play it safe and take care to put the tickets in your backpack when you first get them, so your summer doesn’t turn into a bummer!

Sunscreen- You will want to bring a bunch of souvenirs home from the theme park with you, but a red, peeling face and back shouldn’t be one of them! Slather on ample amounts of sunscreen with an SPF factor of 30 or higher about 30 minutes prior to hitting the sun, and be sure to reapply at least once per hour, or anytime you have gone on a water ride. Not only will you minimize your risk of skin cancer in the long term, but you won’t have to deal with achy, peeling skin in the short term.

Reusable water bottle- Staying hydrated is always important, and when your plans include walking around a busy amusement park all day in 90-degree heat, making sure to drink enough water becomes a literal matter of life and death. Not only can dehydration-related sickness put a damper on your theme park visit, it can also lead to heat stroke and other, more serious medical problems. Simply pack a reusable water bottle for each member of the family and make sure to keep it filled with fresh water all day long.

  

A change of clothes (including underwear!)- People tend not to think of packing a spare change of clothes for all the potty-trained members of their family, but take a moment to consider how many water-related rides there are at a typical amusement park. Even if it isn’t a full-fledged water park, there is bound to be at least one attraction where the first three rows get wet. Avoid that sloshy, uncomfortable feeling by taking time to pack a change of clothes, including underwear, for everyone.

Have any tips for making an amusement park trip even better? Let us know in the comments section.

Fit in Fitness: 4 Exercise Tips for the Busy Mom

Being a mom is a full-time job. You get no pay, no sick days, no vacation time, and have to report to work really early in the morning (not to mention being on-call all night long!) Add your career, housework, other family members and friends to that crazy schedule and there is absolutely no time for anything else, including regular exercise, right? Not necessarily, say some fit moms who manage to make time for fitness. Here are a few tips on how to make exercise a part of your routine even when you feel like you don’t even have time to go to the bathroom by yourself.

Make it the first thing you do- In order to keep your commitment to fitness, you may have to get up even earlier to make it happen. Not only can rising an hour before your children usually wake up give you ample time to complete regular workouts, but you can reward yourself post-sweat with a little bit of that “me time” you may be missing. Nothing quite like a quiet, uninterrupted cup of coffee before the day gets crazy!

Make a standing appointment- Chances are you already have a jam-packed calendar, what with all the doctor and dentist appointments, taekwondo practices, and dance recitals your kids need to attend. Why not make your workout a regularly-scheduled appointment too? The act of physically adding your gym time to a calendar will cement it into your mind as a fixed, non-negotiable appointment, as well as give Dad and the kids a heads-up that they’re on their own come Saturday morning, when Mom’s at her Zumba class!

Forget how you look and focus on how you WILL look- Let’s face it: after having kids, our bodies don’t exactly snap back into their original, pre-pregnancy shapes. The sudden change in our body types can really wreak havoc on our self-confidence, making us less than eager to tug on that Spandex activewear and hit the gym. Relax- here’s a secret: NOBODY looks that great while they’re sweating through a workout, and NOBODY who is exercising is even going to notice. So skip the makeup and the fancy gym clothes and wear whatever you feel most comfortable in. After all, you will love the way you look after making fitness a part of your life!

Walk throughout the day- One of the nicest things about walking is that it is an exercise you can literally do anywhere! Squeeze in short, brisk walks throughout your day, take a long walk on your lunch break, or simply choose to walk instead of drive whenever possible. This will not only get your heart rate going and burn calories, but getting out in the fresh air and enjoying the mindful contemplation that comes with walking can be as good for your soul as it is for your body!

Do you have any exercise secrets for the mom on the go? Share your fitness tips for busy moms in the comments section.

Recipe- Chicken Fajitas

Turn an ordinary day into a fiesta with these healthy, delicious chicken fajitas!

Ingredients:

• 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 pounds skinless, boneless chicken breasts
• Salt
• 2 Tbsp canola, safflower, peanut or grapeseed oil (a high smoke point oil)
• 1 large onion, sliced lengthwise (root to tip) into 1/4-inch strips
• 3 bell peppers of various colors, sliced into 1/4-inch strips

Marinade

• 2 Tbsp lime juice
• 3 Tbsp olive oil
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 jalapeno, seeded and minced
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro

Extras

• 8-12 flour tortillas
• Salsa
• Sliced avocado
• Sour cream
• Thinly sliced iceberg lettuce dressed lightly with salt and cider vinegar

Directions:

1 Cut thick chicken breasts in half, horizontally: If chicken breasts are more than half a pound, slice horizontally so that each slice is between ½-inch and ¾-inch thickness. (Note: Don’t pound chicken breasts with a meat tenderizer, as this adversely affects the texture of the meat.)

2 Marinate chicken: Mix marinade ingredients together in a glass or plastic container. Add chicken, mix thoroughly, cover and let marinate at room temperature for at least 1 hour or up to 8 hours in the fridge.

3 Wipe off most marinade, sprinkle chicken with salt: Remove the chicken from the marinade. Wipe off most of the marinade and sprinkle the chicken pieces with salt.

4 Sear chicken on high heat: Heat a large cast iron frying pan on high heat for 1 to 2 minutes. Add a tablespoon of canola oil to the pan.

As soon as the oil begins to smoke, place chicken breast pieces in the pan. Depending on the size of the pan, you may have to work in several batches.

Let chicken cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes, until you have a good sear. Once seared well on one side, turn pieces over and cook for another 2-3 minutes until well seared on the second side.

5 Stack seared breasts, cover with foil and let rest: Once seared on the second side, remove to a cutting board and cover with aluminum foil to rest for 5 minutes.

Tip: Stack the seared chicken breasts and then cover them in foil. Together they will retain heat better as you cook the peppers and onions.

If you want to test for doneness, cut into one piece with the tip of a sharp knife. It should be just done, if not, you can put it back in the hot pan for a minute or two.

6 Sauté peppers and onions: While the chicken is resting, cook the onions and peppers. Add another tablespoon of oil to the frying pan. Heat on high. As soon as the oil is hot, add the onions and peppers to the pan.

Use a metal spatula to scrape up some of the browned bits from the chicken and stir to coat the onions and peppers with the oil and brown bits. Spread the onions and peppers in an even layer in the pan. Let them cook undisturbed for 2 minutes. You want them to sear with some blackening. Stir the vegetables and continue to cook for another 2 minutes.

7 Slice the chicken and serve: Slice the chicken across the grain into strips. Serve at once with the peppers and onions, some warm tortillas, and sides of shredded cheese, salsa, guacamole, and/or thinly sliced iceberg lettuce dressed with vinegar and salt.

Prep Time: 1 hour 10 minutes  Cook Time: 10 minutes  Serves 4

4 New Year's Resolutions You Can Keep!

2016 is drawing to a close, and it’s time to focus on how to make 2017 your best year ever! Skip the daunting, time-consuming resolutions this year and pick a few you can actually keep. Here are a few ideas for things you can do to enhance your life, increase your productivity, and boost your health, all without having to meet wildly unrealistic expectations.

You Do You- It’s easy to compare yourself to that acquaintance, family member, or friend who seems to have it all together. You know the one- everything seems to come easily to this individual, from the clean house to the well-dressed kids to the perfectly groomed hair and spectacular outfit. Do yourself a favor and make a list of things you like about YOU, not things you wish to change to be more like someone else. After all, who knows? The person you long to be more like may secretly wish he or she had YOUR life instead!

Just Say Yes- Instead of a knee-jerk “no” reaction to an invitation or opportunity you don’t think is for you, try to sprinkle a little “yes”into your life. A live jazz concert on a Wednesday night? A camping trip in a national park? Skydiving? Whatever life throws at you, try to answer with a “yes” more often than you normally would (as long as it’s legal) and you’ll be amazed where your adventure may take you!

Breathe- As anyone balancing work, kids, hobbies and everyday chores can tell you, life can get pretty hectic from time to time. And while it’s all well and good to talk about being mindful and appreciating the little things, you need to practice what you preach in order to reap the benefits of a calm, happy life. Start by just breathing- a few deep breaths in times of stress or anger can help trigger the much-needed, little-used “Pause” button on your life and help you assess what’s really important before you react.

Drink Your Veggies- Do you hate vegetables? It’s OK, lots of people do. Can’t find time to cook healthy, well-balanced meals? That’s still no excuse to eat unhealthy, fattening foods- all you need is some produce and a standard blender to make yourself a healthy, filling fruit and veggie smoothie that you can enjoy on your way to work. Not only can the delicious medley of fruits and vegetables give you a non-caffeinated morning boost of energy, but these low-cal smoothies eat like a meal and are perfect for on the go! You’ll be amazed at how tasty they can be (pro tip: add more bananas to mask that “green” flavor), and your body will love you for it!

What are your resolutions for 2017? Tell us in the Comments section.

Stay Safe This Fourth of July

The celebration of our nation’s independence is upon us once again, and with it comes the promise of food, fun and fireworks! Make sure you and your family stay safe this Independence Day weekend by following these tips:

Firework Safety- Nothing like a gorgeous display of fireworks lighting up the night to celebrate our country. However, most parts of Colorado prohibit purchase and use of any fireworks that leave the ground, such as Roman candles and bottle rockets. If you live in a county that has a ban on fireworks, go and enjoy a professional fireworks display in your area. If your county allows personal use of fireworks, make sure to practice safety measures such as maintaining a safe distance from buildings, vehicles and people, keeping a bucket of water nearby in case of emergencies, and making sure to protect your eyes with safety glasses.

Drink Responsibly- With the abundance of BBQs and pool parties flowing with beer and wine, the 4^th of July is a great holiday to let the good times roll. Just make sure you rein in your good time to avoid harming yourself as well as others. If you plan on drinking at a party, make sure to appoint a designated driver to get you safely from Point A to Point B. One bad decision could literally cost you your life!

Protect Your Pets- Sure, you might love the bright lights and loud bangs of fireworks, but your pets may not be as keen. To help keep them calm during one of the loudest nights of the year, keep them in a safe space they are used to, such as a crate or small bedroom, and resist taking them along with you to fireworks displays and loud parties. Also, if you plan to set off your own fireworks, make sure your pets are safely out of the way to avoid tragic accidents.

Everyone at Appliance Factory & Mattress Kingdom wish you all a very happy and safe Fourth of July weekend! Share with us what your plans are.

Recipe- Blueberry-Lemon Tart

This heavenly dessert is like a fresh breath of springtime with every bite!

Prep time: 25 minutes

Inactive time: 1 hour

Cook time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 2 hours, 10 minutes

Ingredients:

Pastry:

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

2 tablespoons sugar

Pinch kosher salt

½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cold, cut in chunks

1 large egg, separated

2 tablespoons ice water, plus 1 teaspoon

Filling:

4 large eggs

1 ½ cups sugar

1 cup fresh lemon juice (about 5 lemons)

¼ cup heavy cream

1 lemon, zested

Pinch kosher salt

1 pint blueberries

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Pulse flour, sugar and salt together in a food processor. Add butter and pulse until dough resembles cornmeal. Add egg yolk and 2 tablespoons ice water and pulse again until dough pulls together. Wrap dough in plastic wrap and let rest in refrigerator for 30 minutes.

Roll out dough on lightly floured surface into a 12-inch circle. Roll dough up onto rolling pin and lay inside a 10-inch tart pan with a removable bottom. Press dough into edges of pan and fold excess dough inside to reinforce the rim. Cover tart pan with plastic wrap and put into the refrigerator for another 30 minutes.

Put tart pan on a baking sheet and prick bottom of dough with a fork. Cover shell with a piece of parchment paper and fill it with pie weights or dry beans. Bake for 25 minutes. Remove parchment and weights. Lightly beat egg white with 1 teaspoon water and brush it onto the bottom and sides of the tart shell; set aside to cool.

Whisk together eggs, sugar, lemon juice, cream, zest, and salt. Add blueberries to cooled tart shell and pour filling over blueberries. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes. The curd should jiggle slightly when done. Cool to room temperature, remove from tart ring and serve.

Serves 6 to 8.