#GreenLiving: Celebrating Pumpkin Season

 

It's officially Fall ya'll! October brings us significant changes in the atmosphere and pumpkin season is in full effect. Make this season enjoyable by making the most of the change in weather, the new colors on the leaves and most importantly the best pumpkin treats you can find.

Pumpkin Picking

You may have noticed that a lot of stores and markets are gearing up to sell pumpkins this year. This is a great opportunity to grab one for yourself as well. Another fun idea is to head to your local pumpkin patch or farm to see if you can pick from the several amount of pumpkins they carry. This is such a great way to have your children involved in picking the pumpkin they like and start thinking of the endless possibilities that you will have!

Decorating Pumpkins

There's something so fun about decorating pumpkins for Halloween. You can basically paint any kind of pumpkin, but you'll want to start with a bump-free canvas. Since pumpkins often have ribbing, smooth-skin varieties are your best bet. If you want to eat the pumpkins after the kids have decorated them, be sure to use non-toxic paint. Otherwise, acrylic, latex and puff paint will all do the trick! If you want to make this extra fun for everyone host a Pumpkin Decorating contest! This is extremely fun when you set up a theme such as: superheroes, favorite cartoon character, etc. 

Pumpkin Carving

According to Pumpkin Guide; Technically, any type of pumpkin, gourd or squash can be carved, but you want to select ones that are easy for you and your kids to handle. Whether you're picking them out at a farm or at farm or at grocery store, make sure that your pumpkin is healthy and free of  decay. If you're headed for the patch, life the pumpkin off the ground and make sure the underside hasn't started to rot. 

Test a Pumpkin Recipe 

All pumpkins are edible! But of course the amount of pumpkin you get depends of the size of the pumpkin you choose. Cooking after your pumpkin is carved can be used to be pureed for soups, muffins and breads, but you never want to use a pumpkin for cooking after it's been carved and displayed for decoration. For fresh pumpkin pie, smaller and sweeter pumpkin varieties are best. Choose pumpkins that are 3-6 pounds in weight. 

Please remember to always wear a mask and social distance yourselves while going out. Be sure to enjoy this year's pumpkin season! 

Grady's GreenLiving Tips was created in 2014 by Grady Management, Inc.  Grady Management was founded in 1965 and continues to provide a full service residential, commercial, and consulting real estate firm in the greater Washington and Baltimore metropolitan area.  Learn more from our website or Facebook page.

#GreenLiving: Outdoor Activities for Summer

June 21st marks the first day of Summer! Now that warmer weather is on the horizon, we have sunny says to look forward to. While social distancing has us safely remaining in our homes, we may be getting a little stir crazy. If this sounds all too familiar, there's no better time to get outside! What will you do? Check out our list of outdoor activities for you to try that allow you to social distance. 

Go for a Walk

We all will likely go on our fair share of walks within the next month or so, especially if we have a furry family member. Walking is a great way to exercise while allowing yourself to get some fresh air! Head to a local trail or walk around a different neighborhood for a change in scenery. Walking on a trail will allow you to connect deeply with nature, and will hopefully take your mind off the world for a bit. Try to walk in places that aren't overly crowded- remember, we still want to follow the rules of social distancing! 

Meditate, Journal, or Read

There's something soothing and beautiful about surrounding yourself in nature. Grab your book or a journal, and head to a spot where you can clear your mind. Whether you head to a local park, sit by a pond, or even your own patio, take this time to read a book, journal, or meditate. Journaling is a great way to release anxiety and stress, or even just to pour your thoughts onto paper. Meditating is another way can help us take a moment to focus on ourselves and step away from all that's happening right now. Instead of feeling overwhelmed, which is so easy to do, head outside for some time to yourself. 

Go for a Hike

What better way to distance yourself than on a mountain, surrounded by nothing but trees and breathtaking views? For those who aren't into hiking start slowly by going on a trail. A lot of mountains offer relatively short hiking points that offer beautiful views. Climb a steep two miles up to hit the top of the highest vertical-drop! Make sure you bring your water and your camera because the view is definitely one to remember.

Take a Drive

On a sunny day, sometimes it's nice to drive around with the windows down. Make a fun playlist, and simply go for a drive! Explore new areas with no final destination. There's no better way to "get out" then literally driving away. Although you can't go out anywhere, blasting music with your windows down is a clear stress reliever and ultimate mood booster.

Have a Picnic

Now that it's getting warmer, it's picnic weather! If you miss going out to your favorite restaurant, pack up your own fancy dinner and head outside. You could even find a new recipe to make or whip up a variety of appetizers to snack on. Eat at a local park or even your own patio! It will be a great change in scenery while also allowing you to enjoy some sunlight!

While social distancing has changed our everyday lives, whether that be not going to work, going out to eat, or gathering in groups, we can make the most of it. It is crucial to spend time outside for that good 'ol Vitamin C and D, and now that Summer is here, there are plenty of outdoor activities that allow us to practice social distancing.

Grady's GreenLiving Tips was created in 2014 by Grady Management, Inc.  Grady Management was founded in 1965 and continues to provide a full service residential, commercial, and consulting real estate firm in the greater Washington and Baltimore metropolitan area.  Learn more from our website or Facebook page.

#GreenLiving: Low Maintenance House Plants

Don't have a green thumb? Well no worries! Indoor plants are strong enough to withstand almost any attention at all! Want to spice up your living room space with greenery? These low-maintenance plants are the way to go.

Fiddle Leaf Fig: These are trendy trees that have more than just lush foliage going for them. Their hardy disposition can adapt to most bright locations (minus direct sunlight). Water generously in the summer and slow down once winter comes. 

Guiana Chestnut: This one is commonly known as the "money tree" which features a braided trunk. You'll want to stick it in an area with bright, indirect light and water frequently. It's natural habitat is a swamp. 

African Violets: One of the most popular houseplants in the world, this beautiful plant blooms several times per year. Keep it thriving in bright but indirect light with moist soil. Good drainage and an African Violet fertilizer administered every other week  can assist with the maintenance

Peperomia: These wavy plants do best in more humid conditions than trendy succulents. You can even bring them to work too These species flourish under fluorescent lights. 

Rubber Plant: Rubber trees can measure over 100 feet tall in their native Asia, but regular pruning can keep the ornamental variety in check. Make sure to dust off the leaves for a florist-approved polishing look.

Kalanchoe: This water-retaining succulent grows colorful, bell-shaped flowers. It takes very little care. Kalanchoe welcomes dry climates and temperature swings. It's even fine with 45 degree winter weather! Perfect for the DMV area. 

Add more green into your home today! 

Grady's GreenLiving Tips was created in 2014 by Grady Management, Inc.  Grady Management was founded in 1965 and continues to provide a full service residential, commercial, and consulting real estate firm in the greater Washington and Baltimore metropolitan area.  Learn more from our website or Facebook page.

#GreenLivingTips: Celebrate National Donor Day

Happy Valentine's Day! Or should we say National Donor Day. Every year on February 14th the world celebrates #NationalDonorDay. Here is what you need to know about this day.

National Donor Day is an observance dedicated to spreading awareness and education about organ, eye and tissue donation. By educating and sharing the Donate Life message, we can take small steps every day to help save and heal more lives, and honor the donor's legacy of generosity and compassion. 

National Donor Day : is also a day to recognize those who have given and received the gift of life through organ, eye and tissue donation, are currently waiting for a lifesaving transplant, and those who died waiting because an organ was not donated in time.

How To Get Involved: In addition to registering to be an organ, eye or tissue donor or contributing to the DLA cause, you can also download the National Donor Day images and Donor Day Valentine's Cards to raise awareness about donation throughout social media- link these images to other resources for your friends and followers to utilize within your local and online communities. 

The Donate Life America Tribute Wall is one way to honor loved ones on National Donor Day. You can also read through stories of hope, inspiring organ, eye and tissue donor and recipient stories. 

Explore more things you can do to support Donate Life America and advocate for organ, eye and tissue donation every day of the year! 

Grady's GreenLiving Tips was created in 2014 by Grady Management, Inc.  Grady Management was founded in 1965 and continues to provide a full service residential, commercial, and consulting real estate firm in the greater Washington and Baltimore metropolitan area.  Learn more from our website or Facebook page.

#GreenLivingTips: Healthy Dinner Recipes!

We're now a couple of weeks into the New Year, and many people have resolutions to eat better. Maybe you've strayed from your resolution a bit, and that's okay! That doesn't mean you have to give up on it. You can start resolutions at any point in time, so why not start today? Eating healthy can seem like a difficult task when you don't know where to start. However, with these healthy dinner recipes, you'll be on track to a better version of you this year. 

Caprese Zoodles: The recipe for Caprese Zoodles by delish will satisfy your craving for pasta- without the carbs! Zoodles are simply zucchini, in noodle-form. If you have a spiralizer, you can make your own! Otherwise, you can purchase premade zucchini noodles at most grocery stores. In just 25 minutes, you'll have a unique, flavorful dish, and you won't even notice that it's all vegetables!

White Chicken Chili: What better way to warm up on a winter day than with a bowl of chili? This recipe from What Great Grandma Ate is full of flavor and Whole30 and Keto-friendly! This creamy chili is easy to make, and you can add your own touch of flavor by experimenting with different toppings! Some toppings recommended are tortilla chips, avocado, sour cream, or jalapeno slices. If you can't decide which to use, why not try them all?

Spaghetti Squash Burrito Bowls: This delicious recipe for Spaghetti Squash Burrito Bowls by Toaster Oven Love is easy to make and perfect for vegetarians. Even if you aren't a vegetarian, you'll still  want to give this filling recipe a try! With easy prep, you can make the filling or the squash on separate days because he recipe is written to stop wherever you need. Enjoy a tasty recipe for two, or eat one half yourself and save the rest for the next day. Full of flavorful salsa and tasty sauteed vegetables, you'll enjoy this healthy meal in no time. 

Sweet Pan Pineapple Chicken: It doesn't get much easier than a sheet pan recipe. Pile on all the ingredients you want onto a baking sheet, put it in the oven, and enjoy! If you love a good sheet pan recipe, try this Sheet Pan Pineapple Chicken by Jamie Cooks It Up! Simply chop up your veggies and chicken, whip up some delicious sauce, and serve over white rice for a flavorful meal. It will taste like you spent hours preparing it when it only takes 45 minutes! 

Sushi Bowl with Vegan Spicy Mayo: Making sushi at home can seem like an impossible task, but the recipe for Sushi Bowls by Running On Real Food is sushi made easy! Instead of trying to wrap up the sushi, just put all the ingredients in bowl form, and voila! All the flavor of sushi without the work. Additionally, the spicy mayo that tops this recipe is vegan for those with food restrictions. If you're looking for a different sauce, you can also make soy-ginger dressing or soy wasabi sauce. Whatever you choose to top off this recipe, you'll enjoy every last bite.

It's never too late to start eating healthier, and with these delicious healthy dinner recipes, it's easy! Give one of these recipes a try and you'll be on your way to healthier eating habits in no time, all while still enjoying tasty meals. 

Show us how you decorated your apartment today!

Grady's GreenLiving Tips was created in 2014 by Grady Management, Inc.  Grady Management was founded in 1965 and continues to provide a full service residential, commercial, and consulting real estate firm in the greater Washington and Baltimore metropolitan area.  Learn more from our website or Facebook page.