Weekend Grill Hacks

A long holiday weekend calls for some good BBQ and tasty grilled food.

The following are some grill hacks for an enjoyable, safe and yummy time:

  1. Forget using expensive cleaners to wash off your grill grate, simply cut an onion and rub across each rung. The acidity will cut though residual grease and actually leave the flavor for whatever your grilling
  2. Use your empty paper egg cartons to place your coals in for a charcoal fire, this will act as your fire starter and allows you to recycle items you would have disposed of anyway
  3. If kebabs are on the menu, soak the skewers in water for at least 15 – 30 minutes before using to avoid them getting burned on the grill and breaking off when you lift them up to eat
  4. Checking propane tank levels has never been easier, heat up some water (not boiling but warm) and run down the side of a cooled tank, then run your hand down that same side…where you feel that the tank goes from warm to cold will show you the level of propane left. Please remember to do this before turning on the tank for grilling.

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Water Safety Guide

As the days become longer and the temperature’s rise, so will the urge to jump into a pool or the ocean. A quick cool off is all some people need to make it through the hot summer months and we totally get it. Just remember to practice safety in and around the water to avoid any serious injuries.

Some things to always remember;

Practice the buddy system when going to the beach or when you’re out by the pool, this will avoid any unexpected accidents

Always watch over small children and explain the importance of wearing life-saving gear

Protect your skin by wearing bathing suits made of rash guard or apply sunscreen every few hours

Never use glassware to serve food or drinks especially on a pool deck

Check batteries on door alarms that lead out to your pool or the latch to the pool fence to ensure all safety measures are up and running.

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April Showers Bring May Flowers

Roses are red,

violets are blue,

plant sunflowers and marigolds,

for a pretty Spring view.

As April comes to a close, so do the wet stormy weekends…hopefully.

And with a hotter month ahead of us, why not make it a colorful one?

Plant some May flowers that thrive this time of year and add some color to your garden.

Sunflowers, Marigolds, Zinnia’s and Cosmos are all bright blooms that require a little dirt, a splash of water and lots of sunshine.

Add these to your garden for a beautiful and vibrant yard, happy planting!

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Homeschooling 101

In the midst of the Covid-19 crisis another crisis has arisen for parents who now have children staying home due to school closures.  Many parents are struggling to find ways to keep their children occupied with school work and activities. The following are some tips for parents who are either working from home or the stay – at – home spouses who need to fill in time.

For the stay at home parents that remember having a kid-free morning and afternoon, we present the following advice to help you get through your day;

  • Use their school routine as a framework for the day. Start with breakfast per usual and set aside lunch and snacks so that they’re already done when they come to you saying that they’re hungry
  • Help them in doing their school work in the morning when they have the most energy, remember that they are not being bothered by other students or unnecessary distractions so they can focus and potentially finish assignments faster
  • Do not skip out on recess or breaks (this is when they can use their phones or watch T.V.), for your sake and theirs
  • Break up the monotony of school work and have them help you cook dinner, take this opportunity to show them measurements, heating temperatures for foods and how to operate and clean appliances

For the parents that have to work from home during this time, allow them to treat their school work like a job. When you are working, they work, and when you take your break then so will they. If they need help with their work, have them mark the question and during your next available break you will show them how to solve the problem. For smaller children that do not go to school, educational resources and videos are offered online.

We hope these tips allow you to have a more planned and executed day and remember to practice proper hand washing for a healthy a safe homeschooling.

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Stay at Home Bingo!

Below is our challenge for you to complete and share with us on Instagram and/or Facebook. 

Visit our social media platforms to screen shot our bingo table and challenge your family to successfully complete a row of task in any direction.

Once accomplished, share it on your 24-hour story and tag Western Mutual and we will repost it on our page as a token of appreciation for doing your part on social-distancing.

We look forward to seeing everyone participate and hope this helps you pass the time this weekend with your loved ones.

#AloneTogether

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Family Fun Ideas for Winter

Is it too cold to go outside? We have some suggestions that’ll let you enjoy the winter season while staying indoors.

If you have little ones to entertain and keep busy, try baking cookies and letting them decorate to show off their creativity. Build forts with blankets and pillows for an unforgettable fun time.

Challenge them to complete a puzzle or work on their board game expertise.

If it’s just you and your better half, we say take it easy with a movie marathon and popcorn.

Movies aren’t your thing? Test your culinary skills by creating a meal with only the items in your pantry. And there is always the option of playing music and tackling the house cleaning with some dance moves. Whatever you choose, stay warm and let us know your cold weather ideas.

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Holiday Safety Reminder

In the midst of taking in all of the holiday cheer, while sipping on some hot chocolate and wrapping up your gifts; we want to make sure you keep a smile this season with a few safety reminders.

  • Keep all gifts and personal belongings inside and out of sight whether that be in your house or your car
  • Lock all doors and windows when leaving, even if you are just driving down the street for a quick errand, it only takes seconds for someone to break in and leave
  • When taking out the trash, break down boxes of all your new gifts, rather than leaving the full box out for by passers to see what you now have inside your home

Western Mutual would like to wish you a happy, healthy and safe holiday.

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Happy Thanksgiving

The holiday season is in full swing and Thanksgiving may just be the climax of it all. The one holiday in which gifts nor candy bring out the smiles but family and friends do. This year, focus less time judging the turkey and stuffing and more time reflecting all that we have, which we take for granted each and every day. Soak in the moment and snap some photos to create ever lasting memories, be appreciative of all those who don’t get the holiday off and remember the small things like being able to see or hear all the affection around you. From all of us here at Western Mutual and Arizona Home Insurance, we wish you and your loved ones a Happy Thanksgiving!

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