Your Lighting Choices Could be Making you Sick

Unless you have a family member who’s an electrician, chances are you don’t know much about lighting. Did you know that the lighting choices in your home could be making you sick? IT’S TRUE. Lighting plays a vital role in the health of you and your home.

While lighting historically hasn’t had much consideration during home renovations, it’s become increasingly more important to incorporate lighting into your design.

"Design Pros recommend allocating 10 to 15 percent of a kitchen renovation budget to lighting – even more for luxury design."
​— From NKBA | KBIS Lighting in Kitchen & Bath Report

How to Pack a Cooler

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With the summer heat in the 90's here in New England, it may be hard to actually enjoy the beach days and trips you have planned. Here's how to properly pack a cooler so that you can always reach for that ice cold drink, even in the high temps.

1. Cool down the cooler. You don't want to pull your cooler out of your hot garage and start packing because all your ice will be working to cool down your cooler. Start with a room temperature or colder cooler by bringing it into the AC 24 hours before packing, or putting a block of ice in there 24 hours before packing.
2. Start with a layer of ice. On the bottom of your cooler, use a mixture of ice blocks and crushed ice to ensure there's little to no air pockets on your bottom layer.
3. Add in your frozen food. If you have meat or fish, ensure it's frozen if possible. Not only does it preserve the meat, it adds to the ice content in your cooler. If you don't have anything frozen, start with your items that will spoil quickest if they're not kept cold such as yogurt, eggs, cheese, etc.
4. Add in another layer of ice. You can also add in a towel or foam pad between each layer which helps with the elimination of air into the cooler.
5. Add in the rest of your food and/or drinks. If you have fruit or bread that can get squished or bruised, add those to a Tupperware container to keep them protected, or use a basket that will provide structure.
6. Add a foam pad or towel to the top to stop air from getting in. Air getting in your cooler is the #1 reason why ice melts so quickly. When on your trip or at the beach, only open your cooler when necessary.

Packing Tips:

Must-Do's for Your Next Summer Trip

Let's face it, packing for a trip is the worst part about the trip. Wouldn't it be great to snap your fingers and magically be packed?? These tips won't quite do that, but they will make packing easier and quicker.

1. Use packing cubes. This helps to fit more contents into your bag or suitcase AND keeps you organized.
2. Use travel size toiletries as much as possible. This way, you don't have to rip apart your bathroom by packing every product you have. Plus you can leave your toiletree bag packed at all times so that you can just grab it when you're ready for your trip. When coming back from the trip, you have less unpacking to do. Make sure to note of anything you ran out of after your trip and grab it on your next Target run.
3. Make a list. Making a packing list allows you to plan outfits and have a clear head about what you need to bring. Lists help make sure we don't forget anything AND they make sure we don't overpack.
4. Bring a capsule wardrobe - make sure pieces could all work together. This allows you to bring less, but have more outfits.

We want to hear from you! Reply to this email and share your favorite recipes & gathering tips for the summer season.

-Shawn & Kayla

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