Simple steps to packing a better school lunch

"Packing the perfect school lunch is about ensuring all five food groups are covered, choosing foods within those groups that kids like and adding variety to the lunch box to keep kids interested," says Elizabeth Somer, a nationally-recognized registered dietitian and author. "Getting kids involved in the lunch packing process isn't just a great way to ensure kids are getting a lunch they're excited about, it's also a good opportunity to begin to teach children about nutrition and health."



To make the school lunch packing process fun and easy, Somer and Horizon Organic, a leading organic dairy brand, partnered to create a back-to-school resource called "5 Lunch Needs and 50 Ways to Please." So what are the five lunch needs and why are they important? Somer outlines the essential food groups and explains why kids need all five for a balanced lunch.



Low-fat milk and calcium-rich foods (recommended 2 to 3 cups per day)



Why milk? Bones are the body's "bank account," and deposits can only be made until the early 30s. After that, it's withdrawals only. So, the bigger the calcium bank account, the better off you are later in life. The biggest benefits come in the early years when the body is able to deposit the most calcium into the bones. A great option in this group is Horizon Organic Milk with 32 mg DHA Omega-3 Single Serve Milk Boxes, which are the only milk boxes with DHA Omega-3, a long-chain omega-3 fatty acid that has been studied for its role in supporting healthy brain development.



Whole grains (recommended 4 to 7 ounces per day)



Why whole grains? Diets that are rich in whole grains and fiber help fill kids up. Unlike processed refined grains, many 100 percent whole grains are low in fat, high-fiber, and packed with vitamins and minerals. Between 100 percent whole grain bagels, tortillas and hamburger buns, there's something to please any kid's palate.



Vegetables (recommended 1 to 3 cups per day)



Why vegetables? It's hard to have a healthy lifestyle without a plate heaped with colorful veggies. Veggies are where kids get things like vitamin C and folate, minerals, antioxidants, and phytonutrients. With significant numbers of phytonutrients now identified in veggies and fruits, these foods are important components of a child's diet. Steamed edamame makes a great lunch box finger food.



Fruits (recommended 1.5 to 2 cups per day)



Why fruits? Fruits are also packed full of fiber, vitamins and minerals like veggies, but they come in a sweeter package. For example, a handful of dried apricots have more iron than a half cup of cooked mustard greens. Kids still need veggies, but on days when they turn up their noses at asparagus, slipping in a few more servings of fruit can make up the difference. Creative melon pieces thanks to fun-shaped cookie cutters are always a hit.



Meats, eggs, and legumes (recommended 3 to 6 ounces per day)



Besides protein, the foods in this group are sources of minerals, such as iron and zinc, and vitamins, such as B vitamins. Fatty seafood, such as salmon, contains omega-3 fats which are associated with brain development in children. It's best to stick to lean and minimally-processed meats to cut back on saturated fats and sodium. Mini sliders made with organic, ground chicken or turkey and 100 percent whole-wheat buns are a great lunch box alternative to sandwiches.



The full "5 Lunch Needs and 50 Ways to Please resource," is available at www.horizondairy.com/nutrition/dairy-nutrition.

Three easy tips for cooking with kids

Keep your household free of the winter blues by following these simple steps to a successful and fun time with kids in the kitchen:



Establish good habits



Set good habits for your children by teaching them to wash their hands before, during and after cooking. Kid-friendly tools, like a small step stool or high-tech faucet, can help make reinforcing these habits even easier. Let your little sous-chefs know that they should wash their hands with soap and warm water for 20 seconds, by helping them count or singing the "Happy Birthday" song twice. Remember to set a good example by washing your own hands before and after eating and during the cooking process, as needed.



A Delta kitchen faucet featuring Touch2O Technology makes it easy to turn on and off the water with a simple tap anywhere on the faucet. Use the handle to set the water at a comfortable temperature for kids to lather up. When hands are messy, the back of a hand or forearm can be used to help keep the faucet clean and reduce the concern regarding mess or cross-contamination.



"As a lifestyle expert and baking connoisseur, I spend so much time in the kitchen and I'm always looking for ways to simplify things, especially when I have my son by my side," says Melissa Johnson, mother and founder of the popular lifestyle site, Best Friends for Frosting. "Touch2O Technology has made teaching my son the importance of washing his hands easier and lends a helping hand throughout the cooking process."



Different stages for different ages



Understanding which tasks your child is capable of doing is important. Children under 5 years old enjoy observing how recipes are compiled and can help out with small tasks like setting the table, while school-age children can strengthen their math skills as they help combine ingredients for recipes and practice cooking basics, like cracking an egg. This stage is a great time to introduce the importance of choosing nutritious ingredients for everyday cooking, which can help lay the groundwork for a healthy lifestyle. Tap teenagers for help by encouraging them to choose the menu or explore new and exciting cuisines.



Timing is everything



Avoiding a tight schedule is important. Instead of involving children in the dinner rush, enlist their help on a weekend afternoon when there is plenty of time for questions, experiments or careful demonstrations. Choose a time when everyone is well-rested and not easily frustrated. Plan ahead when deciding what recipe you will cook together. For younger kids, consider starting with a simple dish that has fewer than five ingredients like a fruit salad or an easy muffin recipe. A pizza assembly line allows children to show their creativity by choosing their own mini-crusts, sauces, cheese and toppings.



Visit www.deltafaucet.com/InspiredLiving to find kid-friendly recipes, and take a kitchen personality quiz.

Steps for creating the ultimate game day space

Store away the things you don't need



Since this space is likely to have quite a few visitors, it's essential that you can always find what you need and your buds have plenty of space to celebrate. Tip one: Never lose the remote. Velcro works great for securing the remote to a designated space on the wall; that way it's always in the right place. Tip two: cut back on the clutter. Consider installing some shelving units - nothing says team pride more than painting the selves in your team's colors. If you don't have the space, consider purchasing furniture pieces that do double work, such as a storage ottoman with a hidden mini-fridge or a chair with a built-in cooler.



Add some team spirit



Your favorite team doesn't have an ivory colored locker room, so why does your man cave? Embrace your team colors with a fresh coat of paint, a simple and cost-effective way to update your space. If your team has bright colors, consider painting a few items or striping the walls so it is not too overpowering. When painting the walls, pick up a Purdy White Dove roller cover. It's especially great for applying paint to large areas and can be easily cleaned and ready for multiple colors. White Dove covers work with all paints and exterior stains, especially where a smooth, lint-free finish is desired.



Allow your collections to manifest



Whether you enjoy building mini airplanes or have a slight movie obsession, make the space your own and showcase that plane collection, baseball memorabilia or movie theme. Having a place to enjoy your hobbies and your friends is a smart way to save space and showcase what you love. If you don't have any collections, consider hanging a few posters of the hometown teams. Looking to brag a little more? Create a custom banner symbolizing your championship last year in your fantasy football league.



Create your own halftime activities



You could sit there and watch the commentators and commercials for 20 minutes, or you can add some fun and competitive spirit to your man cave. If you have a small space, consider breaking out games like darts or cards. If you have more space, think about incorporating some larger games such as a vintage pinball machine or a pool table in the room.



Feed your friends



Designate an area of the man cave for food and beverages. To really set your space off, consider a vintage-styled popcorn machine or hot dog roller cooker. A slow cooker is also a game day essential for making chili. Sport themed plastic bowls are great for snack foods such as pretzels and chips.



By following these simple tips, the guys will be enjoying the game and your awesome space in no time.

Celeb worthy on-the-go snacking tips for a healthy new you

"Snacks help me stay motivated to keep moving throughout the day," says Ilyse Baker, dance and fitness expert to celebrities and creator of the Dancinerate fitness program and videos. "I'm always on the go, so I have smart snack options on hand to keep my energy up between meals."



By following a few simple tips from Baker, you can transform your snacking behavior and even eat more healthfully throughout the day.



* Be prepared. Having a few snack options on hand will help you make smarter decisions once hunger strikes. Slice up vegetables on Sundays to have available throughout the week to eat with hummus. Keep nuts, crackers and trail mix at your desk, in the car and in your gym bag so there is always a healthy snack within reach.



* Choose foods you actually like. It takes a strong person to nibble on nuts day in and day out. By selecting snacks you enjoy, you're more likely to eat them and not be tempted by other, less nutritious options. If you have a sweet tooth, snack on a healthier alternative, like Nonni's THINaddictives. These delicious almond thins are pre-portioned in 100-calorie packs and made with wholesome, antioxidant-rich ingredients like crunchy California almonds, savory pistachios and succulent cranberries. "For a quick snack, eat THINaddictives plain, or add a boost of protein by making a sandwich with a teaspoon of peanut butter and sliced bananas," Baker says.



* Plan your portions. When hunger hits, it's easy to go overboard with the snacks. Look for pre-portioned snacks or portion out your snacks ahead of time. It's a great way to keep you from overindulging, which can lead to weight gain. Individually wrapped snacks are also great on the go alternatives so you're not stuck finding something to nibble on that might not be as nutritious.



* Stop trying to be perfect. Sometimes you really just want to eat that piece of cake. Indulging in your cravings now and then is fine, as long as you don't make a habit of it. If you decide to snack on something less healthy, opt to have a salad for dinner to even out the calories.



Don't let snacking derail your healthy eating goals. By planning ahead and selecting the smart nibble options, you can easily strike a healthful balance that will keep you satisfied while on the go all day long. For additional snacking ideas, visit Nonni's THINaddictives on Facebook at Facebook.com/THINaddictives.

JANUARY 2016 MARKET UPDATE

January 2016

Included in this blog post is a link to my Real Estate Update Newsletter. Please click on the link below to get the latest Real Estate Update for January! If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to call or email my office. 

614-882-6725

delena@delena.com

http://realtytimes.com/206/DeLenaCiamacco

Three ways to give your home's curb appeal a boost

From simple upgrades to meticulous landscaping projects and replacing an outdated roof, there are dozens of options to enhance the appearance of your home's exterior. Improvements don't need to break the bank or take a year to complete. By focusing on three simple areas, you can change the entire look of your home that you'll appreciate every time you pull into your driveway.



1. Landscaping



The key to curb appeal is balancing what makes you happy with what works in your community. Take a moment to observe the types of trees, plants and flowers in your surroundings and look for ways to incorporate them into your yard.



Planting flowers is one of the easiest, most cost-effective ways to make an impact. Flowers along the sidewalk, in front of the house, inside flower boxes, pouring out of hanging baskets, or even in berms and raised garden beds, provide a giant boost to your curb appeal. Exercise your creativity by combining plants of different height, texture and color in the same container. By sticking to perennial plants native to your environment, you will not have to worry about replanting every year.



2. Roofing



Redesigning the style and color of your roof is a dramatic and effective strategy for improving curb appeal.



"Your roof accounts for 50 percent of your home's exterior," says Stephen McNally, vice president of sales and marketing for TAMKO Building Product, Inc. "Updating the shingles on your roof is going to make a huge impact on the overall appearance of your home - take advantage of it."



Start by evaluating roofing choices for compatibility with your existing siding as well as the style of your home. If your home has a busy exterior with more than one contrasting color, try adding a classic, rustic color like TAMKO's weathered wood. The shingle's subtle blends of color and wood-like appearance complements nearly any exterior paint color.



If your home's exterior is a more neutral shade, try adding a vibrant colored shingle to stand out in your neighborhood. TAMKO has a large selection of classic and vibrant shingle colors and styles to meet any need. To learn more visit www.tamko.com.



3. Paint



Whether you're updating your color scheme or applying a fresh coat, painting is an easy way to update your home's look from the street in a big way. Depending on your budget, this project can be big or small. To make the most significant impact, consider painting the entire house. This will bring new life to paint that has lost its luster or possibly a new palette of color to incorporate into your yard. Although this project can call for a larger investment, the result will pay off in the end.



If your budget is more limited, focus on the areas that catch the eye. Give shutters and trim a fresh coat of paint, or paint the front door a bright shade of red or blue.



You don't have to make a large investment to make a large impact. Focusing on key areas of your home's exterior will refresh the entire appearance of the home and provide a facelift that's within your reach.

Which comes first: The real estate deal or the buyer's list?

This question is kind of like another question where people can't seem to agree on the answer; "Which came first; the chicken or the egg"? Real estate investors all have a different opinion when they are asked whether you should find a deal first or start a buyer's list and then find a deal. For me, the answer has always been "the deal." If you have a great deal, you can always find a buyer for it.



I had someone email me recently that said they had wanted to begin wholesaling houses for a couple of years, but he just couldn't bring himself to buy that first investment property. He was afraid he wouldn't be able to sell it. This man had spent a number of years learning the business, but had become paralyzed with fear over this prospect of putting a house under contract that he wouldn't be able to sell.



If you are just getting started and you find yourself having the same problem, here are 4 tips for you.



1. Know What a Good Deal Looks Like



This is no doubt the hardest part when you are brand new. You almost always pay too much for your first couple of deals. Before you sign on the dotted line, run your potential deal by someone that is an experienced investor. Marginal deals are hard to sell. If you have any doubt about the numbers or the area where the house is located, just walk away and find another deal. There's always another one around the corner.



2. Know Where Investors Like to Buy



It won't do you any good to get a house under contract at a great price if it is in an area where investors don't like to buy. Ask experienced rehabbers and landlords where they like to buy. Be sure to find out what types of properties they like, and the price range they prefer. In general, you will be pretty safe in bread and butter neighborhoods; the kinds of neighborhoods for first time homebuyers. In my area there is a market for more expensive houses, but there are fewer investors in this group. Buy houses that would work for either a rehab that would be sold to a retail buyer, or a home that would make a great rental and they will always be in demand.



3. Put an Escape Clause in Your Contract



This is vital especially when you are brand new. Make the deal subject to inspection or partner approval. This is your safety net. It will make it easier for you make offers with confidence.



4. Begin Immediately to Build Your Buyer's List



There is nothing like having a good buyer's list to call or email when you have a property you want to sell quickly. It is truly a wholesaler's secret weapon. These folks will be loyal repeat buyers if you always have great deals for them, and if you conduct your business with them in an ethical manner 100% of the time.



Implementing these 4 tips will make it easier to make those first offers and get your first few houses under your belt.

Finding a Buyer for Your Deal



There are a number of ways you can quickly find a buyer for the property you have under contract even if you don't have a buyer's list.



You can take the deal to your local REIA group where you will find a group of people that are looking for their next house. At my monthly meeting, we have a table set up for vendors and for folks that want to put out fliers about properties they have to sell. This is usually the first place people head after signing in.



You could list the house on Craigslist. I have sold several properties there, but I would rather much sell to someone at my REIA group; they are usually more experienced investors. But even if they are brand new, they will almost always be educated to some degree if you find them at this meeting. Most investors are more than willing to help them if they can close the deal.



Concentrate on getting a great deal, and you can be sure you will find a buyer.



Author: Sharon Vornholt



Sharon's Website: http://LouisvilleGalsRealEstateBlog.com