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  • Six Sensational Mixed Drinks for the Holidays – BHGRE Season of Sharing

    Sensational vodka mixed drinks must make the menu when planning this year’s holiday celebrations. While creating new traditions and ways to celebrate, people are searching for the ideal cocktail to complement their plans. Whether you are toasting with family in-person or hosting a memorable Zoom event with friends, check out these six dazzling vodka mixed drinks.

    Cranberry Cosmopolitan

    Martha Stewart Living’s “Cranberry Cosmopolitan” takes the classic cocktail and warms it up into a decidedly festive mixed drink ideal for holiday celebrations. The key to this vodka sip is the “cranberry-and orange-infused vodka” that forms the drink’s base. According to the Magazine, all you need to do is grab your “cocktail shaker [and] combine vodka, cranberry juice, lime juice, orange liqueur, and ice….” Your tantalizing concoction is then strained into a chilled martini glass with a garnish of skewered cranberries and a twist of orange peel. And just like that, you are ready to serve.

    Holiday Vodka Sparkler

    Another twist on a classic adored by the editors at Martha Stewart Living is the “Holiday Sparkler.” This two-toned vodka mixed drink brings “flavor and fizz to plain bubbly” for a libation that is “as delicious as it is beautiful.” The drink blends pureed cranberries, vodka, and sugar. The tempting mix is then strained and chilled – it can store for up to a week if you want to prep significantly before your holiday gathering. Next, find your Champagne flutes and get ready to create a stunning ombre effect. As Martha Stewart Living explains: “Fill a flute with 3 tablespoons cranberry-vodka mixture and about 1/2 cup bubbly per glass. For the ombre effect, tilt [the] flute and gently pour Champagne down one side into the glass.” Yum!

    The Panettone

    The Panettone is one of Rachael Ray In Season’s favorite festive holiday cocktails. Deliciously reminiscent of the Italian dessert bread, this mixed drink features a shaker filled with vodka, Grand Marnier, and orgeat syrup. Once you’ve shaken it well and strained it into a Champagne flute, the final flourish is applied. As the Magazine reveals, mixologists then break out the bubbly and “[top the drink] with champagne and garnish with orange peel.” It’s a sweet, citrusy, colorful treat for celebrating the holidays.

    Vodka Reindeer Games

    The mixologists at Food & Wine landed on a fun, crowd-pleasing mixed drink that takes the template of the reader-favorite “Duck Race” and runs with it. Why is the vodka “Reindeer Games” such a hit as a sip? The Magazine explains: “it uses raspberry liqueur, and Chambord should be available in stores just about anywhere; vodka is always good for party drinks; and since this cocktail is on ice in a wine glass, it drinks light and easy.” Pour your favorite sparkling wine (nicely chilled, of course), the Chambord, and vodka over ice and choose a garnish that speaks to you – the Magazine’s mixologists recommend a lemon wheel or a few raspberries. What’s not to love?

    Meyer Lemon & Mint 

    The writers at Food & Wine are also big fans of adding Meyer Lemons into their holiday mixed drinks. Why? The Magazine reports: “Sweet and unbelievably fragrant, Meyer lemons are a cross between a standard lemon and a mandarin orange and have a vibrant, floral scent that reminds us almost of honeysuckle.” Naturally, when they were listing their favorite vodka mixed drinks for end-of-year celebrations, they included their “Meyer Lemon & Mint” creation. According to the experts at Food & Wine, you will want to combine the vodka, Meyer lemon juice, and honey syrup in a resealable quart container when creating a batch. When it is time to serve it, shake the container and then pour two ounces of the pre-made vodka cocktail and three ounces of chilled sparkling white wine into your favorite Champagne flute. The final flourish is the mint, which should be “lightly [tapped] against your hand to release its aromatics before adding it to the glass.” You’ll savor every sip.

     

    Minty Moscow Mule Punch

    Every year, Real Simple releases their favorite “Festive Cocktail Recipes to Get You Through Any Holiday Party,” to the delight of readers. Among their refreshing options is the “Minty Moscow Mule Punch.” Easy to prepare in single batches or as a punch, this smooth variation on the traditional vodka cocktail adds one crucial ingredient: “a subtle, cool, and inviting note of mint.” Start by stirring vodka, fresh lime juice, and ginger-mint simple syrup together (the Magazine offers precise chef’s notes for making your own simple syrup here). You can chill the concoction overnight or in as little as two hours before the festivities begin. Just prior to serving, add your favorite ginger beer and serve in a lowball glass (or punchbowl) with crushed ice. But be warned, if your go-to ginger beer is particularly spicy, this vodka mixed drink will reflect that fire.

    Bonus Vodka Drink: Glittery NYE Shots

    If your Zoom crew, family, or bubble-safe friends want to change into their sparkling finery to see this year done, the “Glittery NYE Shots” from Better Homes & Garden may be the way to go. This vivid drink starts with the creation of glitter vodka, which includes vodka, simple syrup, champagne-gold luster dust, and yellow-gold luster dust. For the precise recipe, click here, but trust us when we say that your guests will be delighted by this festive vodka “shot that matches their shiny outfits” and the bright prospects for the New Year.

     

  • Ask A Pro – Furnishing Your Home

    Jennifer Adams, Interior Design Pro, shares tips for furnishing and decorating a new home.

    Question:

    Building a new home and furnishing dining, living and master bedrooms. Dining, living are open to each other. Where do I start?

    Answer:

    Congratulations on your new home! It’s so exciting to be looking for all new furniture, though it can be overwhelming. It is so much to think about. A better first step is to think about the feeling you want to have in your house. Is it casual and comfortable, or more formal? Is there a vacation place you adore, what feeling do you have when you think about that place? How do you see yourself using those spaces?

    Choose one room at a time to focus on. Look for pictures of rooms on furniture manufacturers’ websites and magazines for inspiration of how rooms can feel, and how the furniture is arranged. Even if you can’t afford the furniture in your inspiration images, the shapes and colors and more importantly, the feeling of the atmosphere can still be a starting point.

    Since the dining and living room is really one large room, consider a cohesive design style or theme for the entire space, and how the colors will coordinate with the colors in your kitchen. The largest pieces in any room, such as the sofa, the dining table and the bed and other major furniture in the master bedroom should be classic shapes and more on the neutral side. Smaller accents such as lamps, side chairs, throw pillows and bedding can be bolder in color and style.

    Accents and art can be the most expressive of all, and this is where your personality and style will shine through. Bring along some favorite treasures from your old house or your travels. Good luck and have fun with this!

    – Jennifer​ Adams, Interior Design Pro

     

  • BHGRE Season of Sharing

    Welcome to the BHGRE® Season of Sharing series, designed to help you celebrate the upcoming holidays with style and safety top-of-mind. From Halloween through New Years’, we’ve got everything you need to gather in new ways, creating cherished memories as you go.

    Plus, to help lift-up communities during these difficult times, our BHGRE network has also highlighted the different charitable events they are involved in this year. Be it a blood drive, food pantry, toy collection or fundraiser, the BHGRE network shares ways for you to get involved in your community, specific to your location.

    Be it party planning tips, gift ideas, activities, recipes and inspiration on ways to give back, the BHGRE® Season of Sharing has what you need to create an unforgettable holiday season.

     

     

  • Christmas – BHGRE Season of Sharing

    It’s the most wonderful time of the year to spread and feel cheer. Here are activities and crafts that you can try, and charity ideas that will put a twinkle in your eye.  

    Christmas Activities  

    Tis the season to partake in fun activities that will bring you and your loved one’s joy.  

    • Host virtual parties with your friends and family with a fun activity or theme. Everyone will be safe and warm in their own home but get to catch up while creating the something together. 
      • Decorate ugly sweaters. 
      • Have a cookie decorating party. 
      • Make gingerbread houses together.
    • Have a dance party and cue the happy music!  
    • Uncover six tips for hosting the best holiday party. 
    • Here are some great activities you can do together outside while practicing social distancing
      • Build snow creatures and animals. 
      • Meet at the best local hill for sledding. 
      • Ice skate at a local rink.
      • Make snow angels.  
      • Go snowshoeing or hiking.  
      • Build an igloo or snow fort.
    • These clever Christmas hacks will help you simplify the holidays and enjoy the season. 
    • Get into the holiday spirit with these awesome Christmas games. 

    Jolly Christmas Gift Ideas 

    Give a gift that will be sure to make your loved ones smile. This year try giving personal gifts or even making your own gifts for friends and family. 

    • Find a glass jar or cute bag and fill it with your loved one’s favorite things. Items you may want to include are their favorite candy, something that will remind them of a moment you shared, your favorite photo of you together, and a list of your five favorite things about them. 
    • Create a customized calendar using photos of their favorite things.  
    • Discover personal and easy crafts with photos your friends and family will appreciate.  
    • Check out these DIY Christmas gifts that will have everyone saying ho-ho-ho!  

    • We could all use a little relaxation this holiday season. Create a relaxation kit with some of the following:  
      • Create or buy candles with relaxing scents such as ylang ylang, lavender, or lemon 
      • Warm string lights 
      • A soft blanket 
      • Coloring books 
      • Make coupons such as “two hours of YOU time” and “breakfast in bed” that they can cash in whenever they want 
      • Let their skin shine with this DIY natural face mask 
      • Make them a lavender eye pillow 
      • Everyone loves bath soaks 
    • Frame a map of somewhere you went on vacation together and pin photos from that trip around the map. 
    • Photo transfers are personal, homemade, and something your loved one will treasure forever. Just pick the photo they would love and follow these photo transfer steps.  
    • Buy someone an online learning class for something they love. You can find cooking classes, wine tastings, craft classes, acting classes, exercise courses and tons more.  
    • Take drinking glasses up a few notches by etching something personal onto them. All you need is armor etch, an exacto knife, masking tape, and a set of plain beer glasses, cocktail glasses or whichever drinkware they use. One option would be to tape a stencil to the outside of the glass wherever you want the shape or letter to go. Put on gloves, dip a paint brush into the armor etch and apply a coat on the stencil carefully. Let it sit for 2-3 minutes and then wash off the etching cream and peel off the tape and stencil. You can also use the exacto knife to cut out a shape, sports logo, or anything you would like out of thick paper and tape that to the glass. Make sure the paper isn’t so thin the armor etch will go through it, otherwise just follow the same steps above.  
    • Homemade gifts from the heart… and for the stomach. Baking shows you took the time to make your loved ones something tasty. Click here for delicious Christmas baking recipes.  
    • Gift wrapping tips and tricks:  

    Christmas Crafts 

     Yule love these Christmas craft ideas. 

    • Create your own holiday party decorations. 
    • Make your Christmas tree shine with easy handmade Christmas ornaments.   
    • Let the countdown begin using advent calendars.  
    • Rudolph the red–nosed pinecone is easy to make. Use a glue gun to attach either a small red bell or red pom-pom as the nose. Cut diamond shapes out of fabric and pinch and glue together one end to shape it into ears. Twist pipe cleaners into the shape of antlers and glue them on along with goggly eyes.  
    • Create a winter wonderland in your home! Pick one room to focus on. Hang up sparkling string lights that look like stars. Buy white felt that looks like snow and cover the tables and shelves before you put out décor. Cut snowflakes out of paper and hang them all over the room. Spray pinecones with fake snow paint or splatter it with plain white paint so they look nice and frosted. Place silver and white globes in glass vases. Paint your old candlesticks white and place them on the mantle under a frosted garland.   
    • Make Christmas themed DIY mason jar snow globes.  
    • On those days it’s way too cold outside here are easy indoor crafts for kids.  
    • Snowflake craft ideas
      • No two crafts are the same, here is an assortment of snowflake crafts.  
      • Glue together popsicle sticks in the shape of a snowflake. Once it’s dry paint it white and add silver glitter to make it sparkle. If you don’t have paint, wrap a white string around each stick and make sure no part of the popsicle stick is showing. 
      • For a more natural snowflake, try this DIY natural wood snowflake.  
      • Draw a few snowflakes onto a thick piece of paper and then carefully cut them out using an exacto knife. Attach the snowflakes to an old vase and then paint the entire vase. Once it’s dry, take off the snowflakes. For an extra pop, place a candle inside and watch the light shine through the snowflakes.  
    • Learn how to make perler bead snowflakes. 
    • Get cozy and toasty with this DIY weighted blanket.  

    Christmas Recipes 

    All I want for Christmas are these scrumptious treats.   

    • Check out these four delicious hot chocolate recipes. For a snowman marshmallow topper, stick 3 marshmallows together using toothpicks. Using chocolate pipe 3 small buttons on the middle marshmallow and eyes and a smile on the top marshmallow. Give the snowman a cute little nose using a candy corn. For arms and legs use pretzel sticks. 
    • Take a sip and say ahhh with these eggnog recipes.  
    • Winter is snow laughing matter. Warm up with these winter drink recipes. 
    • Hot potato these crispy potatoes with rosemary salt are tasty.  
    • You will be stuffed and happy after eating these buttered stuffing with mushrooms. 
    • Ham for the holidays. 
    • Enjoy making and eating these Santa sugar cookie cutouts. 
    • Make your favorite pie or cake in a round pan. After you cut it into slices decorate them to look like Santa’s hat. Pipe red icing over the entire triangle slice. Then simple pipe a white ball on the top corner and the hat rim on the outside edge. 
    • Don’t miss out on this Christmas pudding recipe.  
    • These mouthwatering brown butter snickerdoodle cookie cups are 10/10.  

    Ways to Give Back 

    This holiday season open your heart and discover several ways you can make a difference.   

    • Teach your children the significance of charity. Do something generous. Donate your time or items, listen to someone in need, or reach out to those less fortunate.  
    • A lot of parents are trying to work and teach at the same time and are feeling overwhelmed. Offer tutoring services to kids that need help. 
    • Make or donate gifts to those in will not be able to afford their own this year. 
    • Dress up as Santa to bring some holiday cheer to those that are near!  
    • Create and write Christmas cards to people in nursing homes since they aren’t allowed to have visitors. You could also send them a basket with cookies or games.  

    Click here to view all the Season of Sharing articles.

       

     

  • Winter Fun – BHGRE Season of Sharing

    Winter is coming! These fun activities, delicious recipes, and creative crafts will provide fun for the whole family, all winter long. Enjoy the snowy outdoors and ways to stay warm inside. Remember, there are those in need of assistance, so lend a helping hand. Give back, be it with financial support, energy, or your time. A little gesture goes a long way.  

    Winter Activities  

    These activities are perfect whether you’re celebrating winter indoors or out.  

    • Instead of one giant snowman, make a family of several small snowman. You can have fun naming them and dressing them up as your family or friends. 

    • Have a dance party with this curated list of happy music! Make a night of it by hanging decorations and getting dressed up. For dancing fuel put out yummy snacks and these winter cocktail recipes.  
    • Create your own relaxation station and treat yourself:  
    • Here are some great activities you can do together outside while practicing social distancing.  
      • Build snow creatures and animals. 
      • Meet at the best local hill for sledding. 
      • Ice skate at a local rink.
      • Make snow angels.  
      • Go snowshoeing or hiking.  
      • Build an igloo or snow fort.  

    • Set up virtual craft time with your friends. Have a wine and paint night or schedule a time to tackle a Pinterest project. Everyone will be safe and warm in their own homes but get to catch up while participating in the same activity.  
    • Have a virtual winter party. You can pick a theme beforehand and all dress up in that specific attire. Check out these simple appetizers for your next zoom party.  
    • Game on! Uncover these fun family game night ideas.  
    • There’s snow place like home. Here are 14 ways to make your home warm and welcoming this winter.  

    • Here are a few things you can do to avoid the winter blues.  
      • Look into getting an artificial “sunbox” with special lights designed to mimic the sun’s beneficial rays. We recommend using it first thing in the morning to help maintain your body clock.  
      • Discover how to create a calm work environment at home. There are ways you can improve your surroundings, scents that help with relaxation, and even sounds that have been proven to reduce stress.    
      • Try putting flowers or even fake plants around your home. Looking at plants is proven to boost your mood.  
      • Check out these apps that can help improve your state of mind.  

    Winter Crafts 

    It’s the perfect time to get crafty and let your creative side shine.  

    • Create a winter wonderland in your home! Pick one room to focus on. Hang up sparkling string lights that look like stars. Buy white felt that looks like snow and cover the tables and shelves before you put out décor. Cut snowflakes out of paper and hang them all over the room. Spray pinecones with fake snow paint or splatter it with plain white paint so they look nice and frosted. Place silver and white globes in glass vases. Paint your old candlesticks white and place them on the mantle under a frosted garland.   
    • Make winter themed DIY mason jar snow globes. 
    • On those days it’s way too cold outside here are easy indoor crafts for kids.  
    • Spruce up your front door with this beautiful DIY ombre pinecone wreath.  

    • Below are tons of snowflake craft ideas 
      • No two crafts are the same, here is an assortment of snowflake crafts.  
      • Glue together popsicle sticks in the shape of a snowflake. Once it’s dry paint it white and add silver glitter to make it sparkle. If you don’t have paint, wrap a white string around each stick and make sure no part of the popsicle stick is showing. 
      • For a more natural snowflake, try this DIY natural wood snowflake.  
      • Draw a few snowflakes onto a thick piece of paper and then carefully cut them out using an exacto knife. Attach the snowflakes to an old vase and then paint the entire vase. Once it’s dry, take off the snowflakes. For an extra pop, place a candle inside and watch the light shine through the snowflakes.  
      • Learn how to make perler bead snowflakes. 
    • Get cozy and toasty with this DIY weighted blanket.  
    • Start a new hobby and learn how to crochet.  

    Winter Recipes 

    Fill your winter with scrumptious recipes that can satisfy any craving.  

    Ways to Give Back 

    If you are looking to make a real, lasting difference this winter season, check out these impactful ideas.  

    • It may be cold outside, and those less fortunate may not be able afford heat or warm housing. Make or donate blankets and warm clothing. Items people need this time of year include socks, jackets, mittens, hats, pants, blankets, and scarves.  
    • Shovel snow for those who are unable to do it themselves.   
    • Set up a toy drive and collect toys before the holidays arrive. A small stuffed animal can put a smile on child’s face for years.  
    • Many animals are in need during the cold winter months. You can help by fostering a fury friend or collecting pet supplies to drop off at a shelter.  
    • There is always a need for blood. If you are able, visit a local center and donate. 

     

    Click here to view all the Season of Sharing articles.

       

  • DIY Home Improvements and Repair Strategies

    Sometimes as a homeowner, you may realize you’re not going to get your money’s worth on a renovation before you have to sell. Still, if you just can’t live with that mid-20th century pink bathtub or those hideous countertops, a DIY renovation may be in order. Here are some DIY home improvements that won’t break the bank, won’t take forever, and will make you like the house you’re living in (for now) a whole lot more.

    Bathroom Improvements

    Retiling and replacing inset tubs is an expensive and time-consuming process. That said, if your bathroom tile colors make you cringe every time you go into the room, you have to do something about them. 

    Luckily, both tubs and ceramic tiles can be painted. You’ll still have to be prepared to have your bathroom out of commission for at least a weekend, and if you’re painting a shower area, you may have to do touch-ups in a few years, but the cost and skill required to paint is infinitely less than replacing.

    Just make sure to follow all the manufacturer’s directions for surface preparation, priming, drying time, and sealing. Also, be certain you seal your paint can properly so that you have leftover paint for touch-ups.

    Replacing a vanity and a sink can be another expensive project requiring more DIY skills than you might have. Unless your sink is chipped, consider living with it as is and upgrade your taps instead. 

    If you have a mock-oak vanity, painting it a rich, glossy espresso will make the vanity pop and say 2020 rather than 1990. Replacing hardware is almost effortless, and doing so will complete the update. If you enjoy doing weekend home DIY improvements, consider adding a backsplash or framing a flat mirror.

    If you have an integral basin and countertop, some time and patience, you can update the look of your bathroom by about 30 years for very little money. Try using new products to concretize both countertop and sink. Note that you’ll have to allow at least a week for drying time since you’ll need to apply several thin layers of concrete product and sealer.

    To conquer bathroom clutter, consider installing rollouts in your vanity. You can have one for beauty products and another for cleaning supplies.

    Kitchen Improvements

    If you can’t afford the time or money for a complete kitchen renovation right now, there are lots of things you can do to make the heart of your home both more functional and more attractive.

    You can use the same concrete products on your kitchen countertops that you did in your bathroom to get the modern industrial look that’s been in vogue for the last couple of years. If you have linoleum floors that haven’t worn well, paint them in vibrant stripes rather than ripping them up and replacing them.

    Painting your cupboards (especially if they’re particularly dated) and investing in new hardware will make a huge difference. Alternatively, you can replace just the cupboard fronts. 

    Adding kitchen rollouts to your bottom cupboards has two huge benefits: first, it will make items at the back accessible without having to unpack the entire cupboard. Second, it should let you get rarely used appliances off your countertop. Does the toaster you use for 15 minutes every morning really need to live on your countertop all day?

    If you have any wooden valances above the sink, get rid of them and consider reframing the window to update its look. 

    The money you save on cosmetic changes rather than structural renovations can be spent on upgrading your appliances to the most energy-efficient ones you can find. Then you can apply your energy savings to your future renovation fund.

    Bedroom Improvements

    If your home didn’t come with wire shelving systems in the closets, this is one of the cheapest, simplest, and best investments you can make.  These systems are available at home centers and are infinitely customizable. Unless you own a heritage home with tiny closets, the organizational possibilities they provide are endless.

    Take a look around your bedrooms and think about the things that could be stored in your closets rather than on display. That can include both low and tall dressers if you have a double closet and plan your shelving around it. Losing a dresser frees up a lot of floor space and might let you create a seating area in your bedroom. If you discover you don’t actually need a dresser after you’ve completed your bedroom closet renovation, you can always repurpose it as a portable kitchen island.

    Other DIY Home Improvements

    Even though kitchen and bathroom renovations have the biggest resale return on investment, dated living rooms can be depressing. If there’s already a contrasting color, designated feature wall in your living room, consider modernizing it by creating a pallet wall, wallpapering just that wall, or painting to match the room color and then creating a wall-encompassing stencil.

    If you’re lucky enough to own a heritage home with high ceilings, consider investing in a specular central light fixture and paint the ceiling a vibrant color while leaving the room’s walls neutral.

    Whatever DIY home improvements you choose to do, customizing and updating your home will help you love it — until it’s time to leave it.

  • Recipes – BHGRE Season of Sharing

    BHGRE® Season of Sharing has what you need to create an unforgettable holiday season.

    Our Favorite Cookie Recipes from Better Homes and Gardens

    Snowball Trees

    Super-Duper Chocolate Kisses

    Pistachio-Vanilla Bean Cookies

    Triple Chocolate Cookies

    Chocolate Chip Cookies

    Halloween Recipes

    Fall Recipes

    Thanksgiving Recipes

    • Don’t let the turkey hog the spotlight. Here are some delicious recipes and ideas for sides and appetizers. 
    • For an easy yet adorable appetizer make your very own turkey face veggie tray.  
    • There’s nothing sweeter than a sweet potato casserole. 
    • Get cooking, because these are some of the best Thanksgiving recipes we’ve ever tasted.  
    • Check out these incredible desserts perfect for Thanksgiving, including a no bake pumpkin cheesecake that will knock your fuzzy socks off. 
    • Tis pumpkin season and nothings beats a classic pumpkin pie. 
    • If you want to spruce up your pie crust, try adding a few simple, yet cute designs. Try cutting out different sized leaves and placing them around the edge. You could also roll out the pie crust and cut out any design you want. Cut out little flowers, diamonds, or chevron shapes before laying it on top.  
    • Warm up with this pumpkin spice latte recipe.

    Winter Recipes

    Hanukkah Recipes

    • Get your Latke on! Click here for a recipe to make mouthwatering classic potato latkes. Don’t forget to dip them in sour cream and applesauce! 
    • Check out these yummy side dish recipes.  
    • For scrumptious sweets look into these Hanukkah desserts, including dreidel-shaped cakes and traditional treats.  
    • Cheers to Hanukkah themed cocktails.  
    • Marshmallow dreidels anyone? Dip the bottom of a chocolate kiss into melted chocolate and then press it onto a marshmallow. Place it into the fridge for 15 minutes. Then slowly press a pretzel stick into the other end of the marshmallow to serve as the handle. Dip the entire bottom of the dreidel into a bowl of melted chocolate. Fill a plastic bag with melted white chocolate or white icing and pipe the Hebrew letters onto each side. If you want to make it sparkle, before the chocolate fully melts sprinkle some blue sprinkles on the outside.

    Kwanzaa Recipes

    Christmas Recipes

    • Check out these four delicious hot chocolate recipes. For a snowman marshmallow topper, stick 3 marshmallows together using toothpicks. Using chocolate pipe 3 small buttons on the middle marshmallow and eyes and a smile on the top marshmallow. Give the snowman a cute little nose using a candy corn. For arms and legs use pretzel sticks. 
    • Take a sip and say ahhh with these eggnog recipes.  
    • Winter is snow laughing matter. Warm up with these winter drink recipes. 
    • Hot potato these crispy potatoes with rosemary salt are tasty.  
    • You will be stuffed and happy after eating these buttered stuffing with mushrooms. 
    • Ham for the holidays. 
    • Enjoy making and eating these Santa sugar cookie cutouts. 
    • Make your favorite pie or cake in a round pan. After you cut it into slices decorate them to look like Santa’s hat. Pipe red icing over the entire triangle slice. Then simple pipe a white ball on the top corner and the hat rim on the outside edge. 
    • Don’t miss out on this Christmas pudding recipe.  
    • These mouthwatering brown butter snickerdoodle cookie cups are 10/10.

    New Year’s Eve Recipes

    • These drink recipes will be a hit.  
    • Stir it up with dazzling cocktails.
    • Finger-foods that are as cute as they are delicious.   
    • From sweet-and-sour to cranberry-sauced, these meatball recipes are a must-have.   
    • Check out the following New Year’s Eve party menus and recipes–great for any type of gathering you choose. 
    • Dip pretzel rods into melted white chocolate and then immediately pour silver or gold sprinkles onto the chocolate before it melts. Place the candy-coated pretzel rod onto wax paper, let it dry, and then enjoy! 
    • The best way to end 2020 would be with cakes, truffles, cookies and tons of luscious desserts. 
    • It’s no surprise that this surprise-inside New Year’s Eve cake is not only fun but tastes incredible.  

     

    Click here to view all the Season of Sharing articles.

  • New Story Update – BHGRE Season of Sharing

    This holiday season, we are asking you to consider joining New Story and Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate in building safe communities and providing a better future for those in need.  

    It’s currently estimated that about three billion people will live without access to adequate shelter by 2050. In places such as Ahuachapán, El Salvador, the location of our sponsored communities, many families live in dangerous conditions without clean water and sanitation. According to New Story, only 7% of families previously reported having access to clean water. Many of the residents residing in these impoverished conditions make shelters using rusty sheet metal, plastic tarps, and garbage bags. Together we can help improve the quality of their lives.  

    Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate is proud of its partnership with New Story–an organization dedicated to ending global homelessness. Together we work to transform slums into sustainable communities. Leaders like Christine Zoeller, VP of Marketing at BHGRE®, strive to develop ways to weave giving back into the fabric of the organizational culture. “The Better Homes and Gardens ® Real Estate brand is focused on helping people find their perfect home, and New Story is doing the same — just for those who are in need of homes the most.”  

    Building a new life: 

    A home is the foundation every family needs to thrive. The homes built provide safety and shelter and are wired for electricity, running water, and plumbing allowing the families who inhabit them to spend time working and learning rather than struggling to obtain things needed to survive. The homes are even eco-friendly, and the families gain a backyard suitable for gardening and growing their own food. The funds raised through our partnership are allocated to build communities that invest in the local economy, and the labor and building materials are all sourced directly from Ahuachapán. 

    The impact: 

    Two of our communities in the Nuevo Cuscatlán area have seen drastic improvements. Between 40-45% of the people in these programs were children who now have a roof over their heads, a floor under their feet, and a place to feel safe. About 60% previously had dirt or soil floors, now have concrete, and everyone now has access to clean drinking water–which significantly improved health conditions. These families have reported feeling safer and improved sleep quality, due to better living conditions. Salaried employment has also increased. According to New Story, in the Ahuachapan 2 community, salaried employment increased by 26% over the course of two years, and 14% more families started earning their primary income through small businesses and small-scale commerce.

    How you can help: 

    We’re excited to announce that nearly 500 miles southeast of Mexico City lies Innovation Village. It will be a revolutionary community, built on the pillars of partnership, technology, and human-centered methodology. Long term, there will be 500 homes. Let’s work together to provide families with affordable housing using world-renowned innovation. Raising funds and building safer homes improve their health, increase their educational opportunities, and enable brighter futures for generations to come. 100% of your donation funds home construction. Read more about the project here.  

    Donate today and change a family’s life forever.  

     

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  • Ways to Give Back – BHGRE Season of Sharing

    It’s the season of sharing, so open your heart and discover several ways you can make a difference. 2020 has been an especially difficult year, but we must remember what is important and help those less fortunate. There are numerous ways to give back, and something that might seem small to one person can have a significant impact on another.  

    • Many parents are trying to work full time while also teaching or monitoring their children, which can be a bit overwhelming. Lend a helping hand by offering tutoring services. This not only helps kids learn but can allow parents to focus on work and other things. Plus, you can do it all virtually!  
    • If you are looking for new ways to give back virtually check out volunteermatch.org for tons of ways you can help out others no matter where you are.   
    • Donate gifts and toys to those who might not be able to afford their own. You could also hold a toy drive and collect items from friends and family.  
    • Here are some ideas of gifts you can make at home: weighted blankets, fabric covered journal, tie dyed clothing, easy sewing projects, handmade items, cute crocheted gifts for kids  
    • Donate clothes and warm weather items! You might have lots of clothing you haven’t warn in years that could benefit many people. If you can purchase items many people will be in need of socks, hats, warm clothing, mittens, and blankets as it starts to get colder outside.  
    • Write holiday cards to people in nursing homes and other people who are not able to have visitors. A letter or small drawing can go a long way and make people feel heard and important.  
    • Help neighbors with tasks around their home or run errands for them. People might need help raking leaves, cleaning out their gutters, shoveling snow, or picking up groceries and other items.  
    • Foster a pet. Look into local shelters that need foster families and help save a furry friend! If you cannot foster a pet, you could also donate supplies to nearby shelters.   
    • Participate in a blood drive or donate blood at a local center.  
    • Bringing someone baked goods or food will surly put a smile on someone’s face! Here are some things you could whip up for a neighbor or a hungry family.  

    BHGRE Gives Back

    Discover local events and ways to give back all over the country. See what our BHGRE community experts are doing near you.

    Prescott, Arizona

    Events submitted by Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate BloomTree

    Coats for Kids

    Now through December 14, drop your used /new coats, sweaters, and other donations off at any participating PUSD school, store location, REALTOR office, PAAR office on Karicio Lane, or call AJ Sheridan at 928.308.6780 for pick up. This drive is in memory of Don Shaffer and is sponsored by the Prescott Association of REALTORS.

    BHGRE BloomTree Agents are participating in a pumpkin decorating contest. BHGRE BloomTree will be donating an additional coat for each pumpkin submitted.

    Door Decorating Content

    The BHGRE BloomTree office is also participating in a office door decorating contest, in which the winning broker will win $500 for the local charity of their choice.

    Merced, California

    Events submitted by Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Everything Real Estate

    Merced County Food Bank

    With food prices skyrocketing, unemployment higher than it has been in years, and a virus that targets many individuals; especially the Senior citizens in our communities the need has doubled. In an effort to continue to help support our Seniors, Merced County Food Bank is having its 7th Annual Sharing the Harvest with Grateful Hearts Event. All proceeds will benefit our Senior Brown Bag Program. We hope you can join us November 14th in supporting these deserving seniors by considering a Sponsorships for the Fundraiser. If you can’t attend the event any support would be greatly appreciated. It costs only $60 to feed a Senior citizen for an entire year. For more information call 209.726.3663 or email jth@mmcfb.

    Southern California

    Events submitted by Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Champions

    Collecting Bikes

    BHGRE Champions Office is involved with the Chamber of Commerce to give away 30 bicycles to needy children at 2 area elementary schools. We are part of several companies involved in this endeavor. Jenson USA is donating the bikes and helmets. Other companies are donating kickstands, bike locks, goodie bags filled with school and sports supplies. Our part is water bottles and helping to coordinate the effort. BHGRE Champions has a vice chair position on it for this year.

    Monroe, Connecticut

    Events submitted by Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Gaetano Marra Homes

    Thanksgiving Food Drive

    Help donate to the hungry this season. Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Gaetano Marra Homes in collaboration with the Greater Bridgeport Board of REALTORS isholding a Holiday Food Drive. Please help by donating non-perishable food items to help benefit the Merton Pantry. Drop off at 588 Monroe Turnpike through November 20.

    Flagler Beach, Florida

    Events submitted by Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Synergy

    Be a Santa to Seniors

    Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Synergy is working with Be a Santa to Seniors to collect items using a contactless gift-giving experience, providing joy and safety to all involved. A tree can be found at their Flager Beach location. More info at BeaSantatoaSenior.com.

    Gainesville, Florida

    Events submitted by Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Thomas Group

    Food Drive

    Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Thomas Group conducted a food drive for their local food pantry, Break of the Mighty Food Bank. There is almost triple the need this holiday season.

    Boise, Idaho

    Events submitted by Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate 43° North

    St. Jude’s Dream Home Giveaway

    Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate 43 North partnered with Berkeley Home Builders in Boise, Idaho to help build the St. Jude’s 2021 home. They held a fundraiser where 100% of the proceeds went directly to the St Jude’s Research Foundation. Visitors were able, for a small donation, sign a 2×4 that is going to be used in the construction of the home that will break ground in early spring. Tickets for the home drawing will be available for $100 and will go on sale in early spring.

    Christmas for Kiddo’s

    Better Homes and Gardens 43 North will be sponsoring several families this christmas through the West Ada School District to help give these families a holiday to remember!

    Ronald McDonald House Charities

    Better Homes and Gardens 43 North will be providing dinner recipes and all items needed to cook meals through out this holiday season even though we can’t be with them in person due to covid, it is their way to continue supporting families struck by illness & disease.

    Maine

    Events Submitted by Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate The Masiello Group

    When COVID hit in March and so many people started losing their jobs, we knew that the draw from the local food banks would be higher than ever. We launched Masiello Cares (www.masiellocares.com) and have raised enough funding to provide more than 34,000 meals throughout Maine, NH and VT.

    Bangor, Maine: “Free the Z” a local turkey drive put on by Z107.3 radio station

    Bangor, Maine: The local Bangor office will be adopting a local family and providing them with Christmas gifts.

    Gorham, Maine: Toys for Tots for the Marines

    Gorham and Windham, Maine: The local offices will be participating in a local coat drive to collect kids coats along with WCSH6.

    Winchester, Massachusetts

    Events submitted by Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate The Shanahan Group

    Turkey Trot

    Join Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate The Shanahan Group and the En Ka Society for their first Virtual Turkey Trot on Thursday, November 26 through Sunday November 29 on your own time wherever you are. Kids and adults can walk, trot or run the 5k race to raise funds for the Winchester community. Register here for $30 / adult or $10 / child.

    Minnesota

    Events submitted by Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate All Seasons

    Hope for the Holidays

    Join BHGRE All Seasons for Hope for the Holidays! Through this program, our brokerage has “adopted” a number of senior citizens and will be providing them with household goods and small gifts to let them know they are not alone this holiday season. For our seniors who have been living in isolation due to the pandemic, this is a great way to bring seasonal cheer into their homes in a safe and supportive way.

    Now through December 11, drop your donations off at either our Chanhassen or Minnetonka offices. Greatest needs are currently puzzles, dish soap, towels, kleenex, coffee, and paper towels.

    Toy Collection

    Join the BHGRE All Seasons toy drive! Donate your unwrapped new or gently used toys to our office at 495 US Highway 10 in Detroit Lakes anytime between now and December 23, and we’ll get them to the kids and families in our community who could use a little extra Christmas cheer.

     

    Las Vegas, Nevada

    Events submitted by Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Universal

    Partnership for Homeless Youth

    BHGRE Universal is collecting items for homeless teens and young adults. You can get involved by donating off this Amazon list.

     

    Keene, New Hampshire

    Events Submitted by Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate The Masiello Group

    When COVID hit in March and so many people started losing their jobs, we knew that the draw from the local food banks would be higher than ever. We launched Masiello Cares (www.masiellocares.com) and have raised enough funding to provide more than 34,000 meals throughout Maine, NH and VT.

    Toys for Tots for the Marines

    New Jersey

    Event submitted by Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Coccia Realty

    Coccia Realty’s Annual Coat Drive

    Help keep those in need warm this winter. BHGRE Coccia Realty is collecting new or gently used coats, gloves, jackets, mittens, scarves, and hats.

    Drop off at your local BHGRE Coccia Realty office in Kearny, Lyndhurst, Rutherford or Secaucus through November 15, 2020.

    Pennsylvania

    Events submitted by Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Community Realty

    Backpack Drive for the Homeless 

    Bring a backpack filled with gloves, hat, scarf, deodorant, toothbrush, toothpaste, socks, hand sanitizer, and a blanket to 508 Bridge Street in Phoenixville.

    Tennessee

    Events submitted by Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Gwin Realty

    Fairfield Glade Resident Services

    Each year BHGRE Gwin Realty takes the opportunity to celebrate their growing family of clients and friends with an evening of great food, music, and laughter. Although this year’s event was canceled, they decided to use the money to help those at Fairfield Glade Resident Services. FGRS is a non-profit organization that is dedicated to the concept of neighbors helping neighbors through life’s difficulties. Nutritious home-delivered meals, essential rides for those who cannot drive, and companionship for housebound residents needing human interaction, are just a few of the services offered by neighborhood volunteers.

    Dallas, Texas

    Events submitted by Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Winans

    Toy Collection

    Our staff and agents collect toys each year for a pre-kindergarten school in the DFW area. This is the 34th year that the school has collected toys for the holiday season where about 91% of their students’ families are well below the poverty line. Without these gifts, many of the students wouldn’t have any gifts to open on Christmas morning. When each family comes to pick up their children’s gifts, they are asked to bring at least one canned food item that is then donated to an area food bank in order to pay it forward. Last year we donated 300 toys and are aiming to beat that this year! We know that this year more than ever, they will need our support and we are happy to help provide for these families in need.

    Virginia

    Events submitted by Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Base Camp

    Winter Coat Drive

    Bring in your gently used winter coats to one of the Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Base Camp locations. All coats collected will go to the Coats for KidsProgram for distribution to Central Virginia’s families in need. Drop off through November 7. Monday – Friday 8 AM – 4:30 PM ET, and Saturday from 10 AM – 2 PM ET.

    West Virginia

    Events submitted by Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Central

    Mountain Mission & Toys for Tots

    Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Central is currently volunteering and collecting items for a local charity Mountain Mission. They have drop off sites for items at each of our office locations and are also collecting new, unwrapped toys for Toys for Tots at the offices.

     

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  • Snowball Trees – BHGRE Season of Sharing

    Source: Better Homes and Gardens

    These adorable trees will bring the festivities to any holiday get-together! Celebrate around the best part of the party and dig in!

    Prep: 1 hr 10 min
    Bake: 10 min to 12 min at 325° per batch
    Cool: 2 min per batch
    Yield: about 36 cookies

    Ingredients

    Cookie Ingredients

    • 1 cup butter, softened 
    • 1/2 cup sugar 
    • 1 tablespoon milk 
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla 
    • 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour 
    • Green paste food coloring 
    • 1 recipe Powdered Sugar Icing 
    • Decorative candies 

    Powdered Sugar Icing Ingredients 

    • 4 cups powdered sugar
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla
    • 3-4 tablespoons milk

    Directions:

    Step 1
    In a large bowl beat butter with an electric mixer on medium to high speed for 30 seconds. Add sugar. Beat until combined, scraping sides of bowl occasionally. Beat in milk and vanilla until combined. Beat in as much of the flour as you can with the mixer. Using a wooden spoon, stir in any remaining flour. Remove 1/2 cup of the dough. Tint the remaining dough with green food coloring. 

    Step 2
    Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. For each cookie, use the green dough to shape ten 1/2-inch balls. On an ungreased cookie sheet, arrange balls in a row of four, topped by a row of three, then two, then one on top. As you arrange the balls, gently press them into each other. Use the plain dough to make a 3/4-inch ball and place it at the bottom of the tree for a trunk. Repeat with the remaining dough, leaving 2 inches between cookies on cookie sheet.     

    Step 3
    Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until edges are light brown. Cool on cookie sheet for 2 minutes. Carefully transfer cookies to a wire rack; let cool.     

    Step 4
    Drizzle Powdered Sugar Icing back and forth over cookies to look like strings for lights. Add decorative candies to icing for lights. Let stand until icing sets.     

    Step 5
    In a medium bowl stir together powdered sugar, vanilla, and enough milk (3 to 4 tablespoons) to make drizzling consistency. 

    Courtesy of Meredith Corporation. All rights reserved.

     

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