Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Life

Tag: Season of Sharing

  • Making Memorable Holiday Moments with Neighbors – BHGRE Season of Sharing

    As the 2020 holiday season unfolds, it is still crucial to adhere to social distancing protocols. Though news outlets and government leaders are suggesting that the light at the end of the tunnel is visible, there is still a ways to go until we get there. This does not mean that friends and neighbors cannot enjoy Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa and New Year’s in a safe manner, however. A little creativity can go a long way when making holiday memories this year.

    Reboot Gift Exchanges

    Gift exchanges can be set up online through a video chat and can include adults, kids, or a combination of both. Whoever wants to participate can give their name to one person who will be in charge. That person can assign each participant someone to get a gift for, which does not have to be expensive. A monetary limit can be set for these gifts.

    Another idea is to do a “white elephant” gift exchange. For this, each person can look through their house to find something interesting that is not being used. Who knows; it could be the perfect present for a neighbor!

    Themes can make gift exchanges even more exciting. For example, every gift would have to be green or red; another idea could be food or drink gifts only. There could even be gift exchanges for pets. To maintain social distancing, the presents merely need to be dropped off on doorsteps, and they can be opened during a second video chat.

    Opt Outside Whenever Possible

    Many areas have had temperatures in the 60s this December, and as long as it isn’t too cold or wet, neighbors can maintain social distancing at outdoor events. Outdoor heaters and fire pits have gotten quite popular this year, and both are nice for friends to gather around. Everyone can bring their own snacks and drinks to stay hygienic, too.

    To keep the kids entertained, try a scavenger hunt. Adults can hide goodies and gifts before the get-together and let children head out for the search a few at a time. Try color-coding the prizes to ensure each child only touches their own.

    Neighbors who cannot attend the outdoor event might appreciate a visit from friends who enjoy singing Christmas carols or other festive songs. This is a lovely way to give back to the community. Stand in a semicircle on a neighbor’s lawn at an appropriate distance and bring joy to others through the gift of music.

    Neighborhood parades are another idea that families can have fun with. Again, themes can really be a great starting point for organizing something like this. A pet parade could be really enjoyable, especially with dogs and cats dressed up for the holidays. Other suggestions might be ugly sweaters, holiday balloons, or bringing poinsettias or Christmas cactus plants to drop off on driveways.

    An inverse parade is another great way to make memories. Set up holiday lights, inflatables and other festive décor on your lawn. Set a date and time with your neighbors and light it all up; invite members of the larger community as well. Then, you can drive through the neighborhood and admire everyone’s stationary displays.

    Helping Your Neighbors

    During the 2020 holiday season, the importance of giving back to others cannot be overstated. Many people are facing hard times, due to illness, unemployment, or not having access to the resources they need. It is not difficult to find a charity in need of donations, and organizing a neighborhood group for this can be very rewarding.

    A few people can set up such a donation pool by asking neighbors to contribute to a worthy cause. Some ideas can be suggested as to which charity to select, and participants can then vote. Of course, more than one charity can be selected by the group. A deadline should be set for donations, and one person can be in charge of receiving the funds. When all donations have been submitted to the charities you selected, each neighbor who donated should be alerted.

    It is important to remember social distancing rules for any holiday activities you choose to partake in, even when they are outdoors. Some events will lend themselves to drinking alcohol or eating snacks, which can make it more difficult to keep masks on or remain six feet apart. The threat of infection is still very real, but staying careful and focused while celebrating will keep friends and neighbors that much safer. 2020 has been a tough year, but there’s no reason to avoid holiday cheer.

  • Family-Friendly DIY Christmas Decoration Ideas – BHGRE Season of Sharing

    Are you beginning your list of family-friendly Christmas decorations and celebrations? As you plan your holiday, it’s important to keep Christmas decorating safety tips in mind. There are plenty of DIY and child-appropriate holiday crafts and projects that will spruce up your home, all while being safe for everyone.

    Keep Materials in Mind

    When planning a Christmas decorating scheme, consider what your decorations themselves are made from. If you have pets, babies or other very young children, you should avoid sharp decorations or those that could get very hot, like old-fashioned light bulbs for your tree. 

    In addition, keep breakable ornaments and trinkets to a minimum. The holidays are filled with glitz and sparkle, but items that catch the eye of little ones can be like a magnet to little hands. If these decorations are dropped, they can break and pose a threat to children.

    If you’ll be making decorations together, be sure to keep tools like scissors, hot glue guns, and needles (like for stringing popcorn for your trees) away from kids. Speaking of those popcorn strands, don’t leave children unattended around popcorn, cranberries or other choking hazards while you make your decorations. The same goes for any treats or hard candies you are using to make gingerbread houses or cookies.

    Be Aware of Household Hazards

    When decorating with your family, you’ll want to clean up toys, books and extraneous clutter to make room for the addition of trees, ornaments and holiday villages. Be sure that all doors and windows are accessible; don’t ever block them with decor.

    Keep outlet covers in place to protect small children, and hide extension cords behind furniture so they are not a tripping hazard or treated like a toy. Don’t leave your Christmas tree or other powered decorations plugged in for extended periods of time, as doing so can be a fire risk. 

    If you are decorating a Christmas tree, keep breakable ornaments up high. If you really want to make things safe for small children, you can avoid the use of ornaments altogether to remove the risk of breakage and injuries from hooks. 

    Instead, tie sparkly ribbons and bows on your tree, use garland or stick to a string of lights. Also, consider tying the tree to a nearby piece of furniture, the wall or the ceiling to prevent tipping.

    Safe Projects for Kids

    Looking for some great DIY ideas for family-friendly Christmas decorations? Look no further than your kids’ craft supplies. If you usually draw with markers or cut shapes from construction paper, invoke the use of these items for the holidays, too. Create paper chains in the shape of Christmas trees and hang them over doorways; cut out holiday shapes and tape them to walls or windows. 

    You can also make lovely window clings using fabric paint on waxed paper. Use cookie cutters in holiday shapes to create the outline, then fill it with fabric paint in seasonal colors. Allow the paint to dry. The entire shape will then peel off the waxed paper and you can stick it to your window.

    Mantle-top Christmas trees can be made of pom poms or cotton balls glued around a cone (or even a piece of thin cardboard rolled into a cone shape, with its bottom trimmed to be flat). You can also make a garland out of decorative twine or ribbon and hang pom poms or Christmas shapes from it.

    Make a festive snow globe to use as a table centerpiece or shelf decoration. All you’ll need is a clean, dry food jar with its label removed and small trees, houses, figures or pinecones to go inside. Fill the jar with epoxy and glycerin, and use glitter to create a wintry effect. For very small children, you can also use water-filled jars for a simpler snow globe.

    Another Christmas decoration that is fun to make with the whole family is an angel made of a paper plate. These can be placed on your table, your mantle or even on top of your tree. These angels can also be strung on a festive string or ribbon and hung in a large doorway. You can choose to decorate the angels with paint, stickers or glitter, depending on the age and skill level of the project’s participants.

  • How to Host the Perfect Winter Outdoor Gathering – BHGRE Season of Sharing

    Recently, being out and about has been more challenging. It’s time to adapt and host smaller outdoor gatherings. Just because it has gotten colder doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy the great outdoors. Below are tips on how to make your backyard cozy and inviting this winter. There are also several delicious recipes that will warm up your soul. 

    How to prepare your backyard for an outdoor gathering 

    • Place lanterns, lamps and string lights to add sparkle. This is an easy way to improve the ambiance any time of the year.  
    • Fill a basket with blankets and pillows so everyone can get nice and toasty. You can also look into portable outdoor heaters or fire pits to keep your toes warm.  
    • Invest in electric warming blankets! They are great for those chilly winter nights and will keep you snug as a bug. 
    • Try out these holiday outdoor décor ideas for a beautiful and cozy winter.  
    • Make a magical winter landscape with 10 winter garden delight ideas.  
    • Spruce up your furniture. If you don’t want to buy new outdoor furniture, simply update what you have. Take an old side table or stump and place a blanket over it. Try using a warm pattern to make it look inviting.   
    • Add drama or privacy. If you have a covered patio, consider using outdoor fabric to hang as drapes. They can boost privacy and keep the wind or cold chill out.  

     

    • Build a fire pit so you can have a nice and toasty winter. You will need gravel, a shovel, concrete landscaping stones, a metal fire pit ring, masonry adhesive, and a rubber mallet. Before you start building, check the recreational fire codes in your area to make sure it’s allowed. You’ll want to build your fire pit at least 10-12 feet from any building structures, trees or fences. The first step is to pick the perfect spot and outline with spray paint where you want it to be. Grab your shovel and dig out the circle about 7 inches deep. Then pour the gravel into the hole until it’s level with the ground, which allows for proper drainage. If you’re using a metal ring place it in the center before you start placing your stones around the edge of the gravel circle. Use your rubber mallet to make them all level. Stagger the placement of the second row. When placing the second ring of stones use the adhesive on the bottom of each or if you prefer you can use cement to adhere the stones together. Repeat again for a third row. After its dry, grab some outdoor pillows and place them around the fire pit.  
    • Here are several fabulous outdoor fireplace designs or check out another great way to create your own fire pit.  

    Great drinks to serve at an outdoor party

    • Warm up with these winter drink recipes.  
    • A perfect drink to serve during winter is the classic Hot Toddy. All you need is ¾ cup of warm water, 1 ½ ounce of whiskey, 3 teaspoons of honey, 3 teaspoons of lemon juice, and top it all off with a cinnamon stick and lemon wedge. You can also substitute the whiskey for rum or brandy.  
    • The seasonal spice blend of cinnamon, allspice, and cloves make this hot spiced cider recipe perfect for drinking in the great outdoors.   

    Warm up with these tasty appetizers, dishes, and sweets

    • These rustic winter vegetable tarts are savory and combine bacon, goat cheese, and squash for a warm appetizer. 
    • If you really want to have a cozy and comfy evening, go with the phenomenal combination of tomato soup and gooey grilled cheese. For an easy way to serve this outside, put the tomato bisque or soup in coffee mugs so it’s easy to serve and easy to consume.  
    • Check out this winter pear salad filled with pears, orange, kale, kumquats and more.  
    • Grow and serve your own varieties of winter squash and the good news is every type is edible.  
    • It’s not a winter gathering without mouthwatering s’mores. If you’re looking for a step up from the usual s’mores try incorporating granny smith apples. After you toast marshmallows until golden and add the chocolate, include a few slivers of granny smith apples. Then before you sandwich all the goodies together between graham crackers drizzle caramel over the apples. Here are 17 delicious ways to dress up a classic s’mores for ooey-gooey sweet snacks.  

  • BHGRE Gives Back – BHGRE Season of Sharing

    The BHGRE network has embraced the Season of Sharing and has been hard at work in their communities with various holiday-related philanthropic efforts.  

    For Giving Tuesday we wanted to highlight a few of these events. We are so proud of the way these affiliates embrace our PAIGE core values.  

    Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Base Camp – Winter Coat Drive 

    The team in Central Virginia helped collect warm coats for the winter season. See their post. 

     

    Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate 43 North – St Jude Event 

    The team in Meridian, Idaho helped build the St. Jude Dream Home sponsored by Berkeley Building Co. During the Lumber Signing Event, participants were able to sponsor a board and write messages that would forever be incorporated into the home. See their post. 

     

    Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Everything – Merced County Food Bank  

    The team in Merced County, California helped collect food for the Merced County Food Bank.  See their post.

     

    Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Gaetano Marra Homes – The Merton Pantry  

    The team in Connecticut in collaboration with the Greater Bridgeport Board of REALTORS held a holiday food drive and collected food to benefit the Merton Pantry. See their post.  

     

    Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Gary Greene – Kids’ Meals Inc 

    The team in Houston, Texas prepared over 1,000 lunch bags to be delivered to kids in need in their local area. See their post.  

    Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Premier – Food for Others 

    The team in the Washington D.C. area collected non-perishable food items to benefit Food for Others. See their post.  

     

    Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Central – Mountain Mission Incorporated  

    The team in Charleston, West Virginia volunteered their time to assist with a food drive for Mountain Mission Incorporated. See their post.  

     

    Find more ways to give back and see how you can get involved here. 

  • 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.

     

  • 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.

       

  • 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.  

     

    Click here to view all the Season of Sharing articles.