It’s cold outside!
Ben Feingold | Fabricare Center Owner
It’s been so cold this past month, my family and I have been spending a lot of time bundled up, indoors. We’ve been playing lots of games, watching movies, and of course keeping up with the football playoffs. Getting excited for the Super Bowl in just a few days! What are some of your go-to Super Bowl dishes? Homemade sheet-pan nachos, buffalo chicken dip, and mini sliders are some of our gameday staples at my house.
As much as we’ve been staying indoors to avoid the cold this month, we have taken some brisk walks and braved the playground in the afternoons on the less frigid days. Gotta get that fresh air and vitamin D! We had a lot of fun playing outside in the snow with our two-year-old son a few weeks ago. Hopefully many of you got to enjoy an Atlanta-style snow day as well.
Now that February is here you probably have started thinking about Valentine’s Day and ways to treat the special people in your life. I know flowers, candy, and jewelry are more typical Valentine’s Day gifts but this year consider doing something a little bit different and purchase a gift card to Fabricare Center. Nothing says I love you more than saving someone from endless loads of laundry, am I right?! 😉
Between all the extra layers we are wearing both indoors and out, our mountains of laundry seem to be piling up much faster this season. Take advantage of Fabricare Center’s wash & fold service today. Spend time doing what you enjoy with those you love, and leave the overflowing piles of laundry to us! And everyone rejoice…famous Georgia groundhog, Beauregard “Beau” Lee saw did not see his shadow this year spring should come early. Until then, bundle up and stay warm!
Warm regards,
4 Drivable Destinations in the United States
During the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, road trip travel saw a surge, followed by the return of air travel when cases started declining. Now, with COVID-19 continuing to affect daily life, travelers are returning attention to drivable destinations as a way to avoid unpredictable delays and ensure their vacation plans continue without disruption.
From every major region of the country, travelers can find a popular vacation destination within 300 miles, which is about a 3-4-hour car ride. To avoid the crowds and enjoy a getaway on their own terms, many travelers are opting for private vacation homes instead of large hotels and resorts.
If you’re from New England, consider Hamptons, New York.
Located on the South Fork of eastern Long Island, the Hamptons is a chain of oceanside communities and popular summer destination. With its long stretches of coastline, vast farmland and quaint villages combined with upscale restaurants and boutiques, the destination can satisfy a diverse array of interests. Whether you’re looking for outdoor play or to shop to your heart’s content, staying in the Hamptons can put you in the center of it all.
If you’re from the South, make plans to visit Miramar and Rosemary Beach, Florida.
If you want to be surrounded by water, Miramar Beach is a perfect destination. One side of this peninsula in northern Florida touches the Gulf of Mexico while the other side overlooks Choctawhatchee Bay. It is a bit of a contradiction, where old traditions meet modern interests and a slower pace is balanced by plenty to see and do, including historical sites, water sports, golfing and more.
If you’re from the Upper Midwest, drive to Traverse City, Michigan.
When you’re not visiting the marina or watching the boats at picturesque Torch Lake, you can head for the historic City Opera House to check out a live performance or go for a nature walk in Traverse City State Park. Enjoy some shopping or a stop at a quiet cafe along the walkable East Front Street then take the kids to the Great Lakes Children’s Museum.
If you’re from the Lower Midwest, head to Galveston, Texas.
Galveston is known for its Victorian architecture and one of the largest concentrations of well-preserved buildings in the United States. Staying in a pet-friendly cabin can put you within walking distance of beautiful, historic neighborhoods. During your stay, consider checking out a tour of a Victorian mansion, the Ocean Star Offshore Drilling Rig Museum or one of the many festivals that take place throughout the year.
Pulled Beef and Slaw Sliders
Recipe courtesy of chef Anthony Serrano
Pulled Beef:
- 2 pieces (about 3 pounds each) beef chuck roast
- 2 tablespoons taco seasoning or barbecue rub
- 1 cup beef bone broth
- 16 ounces Fresh Cravings Chunky Mild Salsa
Salsa and Queso Slaw:
- 16 ounces Fresh Cravings Chunky Mild Salsa
- 16 ounces broccoli slaw blend
- 1/4 cup green onions, sliced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup crumbled queso fresco
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 cup mayo
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons cilantro (optional)
- slider buns
- Fresh Cravings Salsa
- barbecue sauce
- pickles
- jalapenos
- sliced cheese
- roasted peppers
- onions
- To make pulled beef: Season both sides of beef with taco seasoning. Wrap with plastic wrap and place in fridge 2-12 hours before cooking.
- Place meat, beef bone broth and salsa in pressure cooker; seal according to pressure cooker directions. Cook on high 60 minutes. Once pressure cooker is safe to open according to instructions, open and let meat rest in liquid 15 minutes.
- Remove meat from liquid and place in large bowl. Carefully shred meat. Pour liquid, up to half, over meat while shredding to keep it juicy.
- To make salsa and queso slaw: In large bowl, mix salsa, slaw blend, green onions, salt, queso fresco, Dijon mustard, mayo, apple cider vinegar and cilantro, if desired. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until needed.
- To assemble sliders, place pulled beef and salsa and queso slaw on buns. Top with salsa, barbecue sauce, pickles, jalapenos, sliced cheese, roasted peppers and onions.
5 Tips to Make Your Home More Energy Efficient This Winter
Winter is a time of year when many people are looking for ways to be warm and cozy to combat the chilly temperatures outside. It’s also the time of year when energy bills can skyrocket. Focusing on energy efficiency can help you keep your home temperature comfortable and your energy bills at bay while also reducing your carbon footprint.
1. Do a Heating Systems Checkup
Be sure all vents and registers throughout your home are clear of obstructions. Checking that all plugs, vents and appliances are in safe, working order can also help improve efficiency and prevent potential hazards. Also consider hiring a professional annually to tune up your HVAC system, tighten electrical connections and check controls to ensure they are working properly and safely.
2. Install Energy-Efficient Light Bulbs and Appliances
It’s important to replace old light bulbs and appliances in your home with newer, energy-efficient ones. Using LED light bulbs in place of traditional incandescent bulbs can save homeowners about $225 in energy costs each year, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. You can also install timers to ensure you’re only using electricity when needed.
3. Add Insulation
Install insulation in and around windows, walls and doors to decrease heat flow from warmer spaces to colder ones, helping to maintain your home’s temperature and lower your heating and cooling costs. Also insulate your water heater with a blanket or cover and check the insulation in your attic, basement, walls and crawl spaces for leaks.
4. Improve Flooring and Windows
Adding rugs or carpet to hardwood floors and ceramic tiles can help prevent drafts and make the room feel cozier. Installing double-pane windows can also help prevent cold air from leaking into your rooms while opening blinds and curtains during the day to let in light can naturally heat up the space.
5. Use an Energy-Efficient Space Heater
A space heater is a simple option for heating up a single chilly room for a short amount of time, which makes it perfect for those looking to save money and energy. Some space heaters are designed specifically for energy efficiency. They use infrared technology to heat rooms, sensing spots that need heat and distributing it accordingly by heating objects instead of filling the space with heat.
Wake Up Refreshed Simple ways to begin your morning
Ready, set, go. Just as you would set off at the starting line of a race, this hectic pace is how mornings begin for many men and women.
Instead of waking with dread to face another hectic morning, consider these tips for a healthier way to ease into your daily rituals. While these activities may require you to allow extra time, you may be pleased with the productive results.
Meditate. A practice that has been around for thousands of years may still be one of the best stress busters for hurried mornings. To start, find a place in your home that is free of noise and distraction. Practice sitting still, with eyes closed, and focus only on your breathing. Using deep, controlled breaths, try to steer your thoughts away from negative and stress-inducing thoughts.
Stretch. While the most health-conscious person may opt for a morning sweat-a-thon, working in some stretches can also be beneficial. When you awake, think about oft-used muscles and extend each one for 15-30 seconds.
Activate. Give your brain some fuel in the morning while also doing something nice for your mind. For example, journaling is a gentle way to ease into your morning and get your brain firing. If you can’t think of a topic, simply write down a few affirmations for the day, revisit a pleasant memory from your past or scribble down a goal for the week. Journaling can be an uplifting way to engage the mind and express gratitude for the day ahead.
SERVICE SPOTLIGHT – Wash & Fold
Never Do Another Load Of Laundry Again!
Give the gift that keeps on giving, with monthly wash & fold delivery service from Fabricare Center.
Get 20% Off Your First Month’s Wash & Fold Subscription
Limit one per customer. Not to be combined with any other offers. Only valid with wash & fold subscriptions. Expires 3/1/2022
