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How to Make Hot Cocoa at Home at Avana Grove

December 17, 2015 by

Instead of simply tearing open a pre-packaged version of hot chocolate this winter, make things more fun (and festive!) by making it yourself at home. Here are three great takes on everyone’s favorite sippable dessert.

Naturally Sweetened Homemade Hot Chocolate [diynatural.com]
If you want to make your own hot chocolate in order to avoid the extra additives and unnatural sweeteners found in many store-bought varieties, this recipe will show you how. By using real cocoa powder, pure maple syrup for sweetening, and just a dash of sea salt and cinnamon, you can create a truly decadent treat that’s still really good for you.

Homemade Hot Chocolate [marthastewart.com]
If you’re craving the classic version of hot chocolate at home, this recipe will teach you how to make it using only four common ingredients. Whole milk adds a rich, creamy consistency that is accented by the sugar and cocoa, and you have the option of preparing it in the microwave or on the stovetop for added versatility.

Peppermint Hot Chocolate [bonappetit.com]
For something with a bit more gourmet flavor, try this elegant peppermint version. Adding peppermint extract creates a festive flavor that’s really delicious when combined with bittersweet chocolate, and topping this drink with homemade whipped cream and candy canes makes it perfect for your holiday parties.

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How to Select the Perfect Holiday Tree

December 3, 2015 by

So you’ve committed to purchasing a live tree this holiday season, but now you’re not quite sure what to look for at the retail lot. Don’t fret, because these smart tips for choosing the perfect evergreen will ensure that you purchase the perfect one for your space.

  1. Measure the space. Be sure to decide where you’ll place your tree before you leave the house, and then measure both the ceiling height and the width of the area to make sure that the tree fits (and doesn’t look too small).
  2. Give the tree a good shake. To check if a holiday tree is in good health, give a branch a good shake. If only a few of the needles fall off that means that the tree will retain its lush color and lovely fragrance.
  3. Measure the tree’s base. Before you even measure the tree itself, measure the base. It should be as straight as possible and at least 6-inches-long in order to fit into a tree stand.
  4. Compare the tree to your space. Once you find a tree that you love, use a tape measure to measure its height and circumference. The tree should be a few inches smaller than the area that you measured in your home.

Selecting Your Tree [National Christmas Tree Association]
Pick the Perfect Christmas Tree [Reader’s Digest]
Christmas Tree Glossary [Martha Stewart]
How to Pick the Perfect Christmas Tree [This Old House]

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How to Make Memorable Mashed Potatoes This Thanksgiving

November 19, 2015 by

It's easily lost in the shadow of the turkey and stuffing, but that doesn't mean the mashed potato isn't deserving of its place on the Thanksgiving table. This year, help ensure your mashed potatoes receive the recognition they deserve with these essential cooking tips.

1) Start with the right spud.
Yukon gold potatoes will impart a slightly buttery flavor, while your standard Russet will help deliver mashed potatoes with a fluffy texture.

2) Boil the peeled potatoes in salted water with a whole clove or two of garlic.
Some sources advise cutting the potatoes into quarters, while others advise plopping the potatoes into the water whole. Either way, remove the potatoes from the water when they're easily pierced by a fork—after about 15 or 20 minutes. The trick is to remove the potatoes from the water before they begin to fall apart in the pot and absorb too much water.

3) Drain and dry.
Drain the water from the potatoes, pat the spuds dry, then return them to the pot. Depending on whether you prefer smooth or lumpy taters, you can use a potato ricer or a simple whisk to mash your potatoes. Don't use an electric mixer; this will over-develop the starches in the potatoes, making them gluey and sticky.

4) Warm your add-ins.
Warm any add-ins (butter, milk, cream, sour cream, cream cheese) before adding them to your potatoes. This will help retain the texture of your potatoes. Remember: The more fat you add to the potatoes, the creamier they'll be. Salt to taste.

How to Make Perfect Mashed Potatoes [About.com]
10 Tips for Perfectly Creamy and Fluffy Classic Mashed Potatoes [katefromscratch.com]
Our Best Tips & Advice for Great Mashed Potatoes [The Kitchn]

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How to Help Your Child Prep for Her First Sleepover Party

November 5, 2015 by

If your child was just invited to his or her first sleepover, there’s likely a whole list of concerns that will run through your head beforehand. Sleepovers are a rite of passage for little ones, and it’s important to make your little one feel comfortable and confident before the big day. Here are some simple ways to prepare your child for his or her first slumber party—or just a night away from home.

  1. Consider how important routine is. If your child usually eats the same things for dinner and goes to bed at the same time, be sure that you check with the slumber party host beforehand to see if their routine is drastically different. If it is, mention a few foods that your child particularly dislikes, or politely request that kids are in bed before a certain time.
  2. Send a piece of home off with your child. It’s important for kids to learn how other people do things, but you can always tuck a favorite snack or a trusty blanket into his or her duffel bag just in case a bout of homesickness should strike.
  3. Prepare for the worst. If your child does get too scared to spend the night, he or she might give you a call in the middle of the night. In this case, don’t ask too many questions. Come by quickly to offer a ride home, and encourage him or her to try it again in a few months.

7 Steps to Prepare Your Child for a First Sleepover [Parents.com]
Preparing Your Child for a First Sleepover [Carolina Parent]
How to Prepare Your Kid (and Yourself) For Her First Sleepover [Today’s Parent]
How can I prepare my child for her first sleepover? [Fisher-Price.com]
7 Ways to Prepare for Your Kid’s First Sleepover [Education.com]

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Bring Fall Indoors With These Festive Wreath Tutorials

October 22, 2015 by

Who says that a wreath has to hang outside? There are a number of fun and creative ways to make DIY wreaths that bring the beauty of fall indoors, and many of them don’t cost a dime to make. Here are three great wreath tutorials for you to try this weekend at Avana Grove.

DIY Apple Wreath [thewoodgraincottage.com]
While an actual apple wreath would likely be too heavy to hang, this one uses faux apples from the craft store to achieve the same effect. All it takes is some hot glue, a Styrofoam wreath mold and some burlap to hang it.

Glitter Wreath [homemadebyjill.blogspot.com]
If you’re looking for a fun wreath project that the kids can do, too, this one is a great choice. They’ll enjoy cutting out the small leaves from heavy cardstock, and they’ll enjoy it even more once it’s time to sprinkle glitter all over.

Fall Wheat Sheave Wreath [bhg.com]
If you prefer something with a more natural look (and a quicker preparation), this tutorial is one of the simplest you’ll find. Simply gather some dried wheat and tie it together with a piece of oversized ribbon in a fall color, then attach the whole thing to your door (or anywhere else that can use a bit of decoration).

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Must-Read Tips for a Perfectly Carved Pumpkin

October 8, 2015 by

Carving a pumpkin may seem like a fun, relaxing autumn activity that you can do together as a family, but if you’ve ever actually attempted to carve a pumpkin, you know that this isn’t always the case. Carving the perfect pumpkin is possible, however, and these simple tips can help you get there safely and without too much stress.

  1. Start by choosing a pumpkin with a flat bottom so that it won’t roll around while you try to carve it.
  2. Cut the top of the pumpkin on an angle, so that once you scoop it out and replace the stem it won’t drop down inside.
  3. Soak the pumpkin in a bleach solution for one or two hours before carving to lengthen its lifespan. After you carve it, dry thoroughly and rub the edges with some petroleum jelly to prevent it from shriveling.
  4. While it may seem like a waste of money, it’s very helpful to purchase a kit of knives designed especially for pumpkin carving. Using a common kitchen knife that is too big or not sharp enough can be dangerous for everyone involved.
  5. If this is your first time carving a pumpkin, choose a pattern with bold features and large details to make it a bit easier.
  6. Cut out your stencil and either trace it directly onto the pumpkin or tape it on with clear tape before carving.

8 Pro Tips for Carving the Perfect Pumpkin [Good Housekeeping]
Pumpkin Carving Tips – How to Carve a Jack-o'-lantern [About Food]
How to Carve a Pumpkin [Martha Stewart]

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Neat and Nifty DIY Projects for Your Kitchen

September 17, 2015 by

While you may not be able to pull off a full kitchen renovation in your rental, you can make the space function better for your needs by crafting up a few simple projects. Here are just three useful DIY projects that will improve your kitchen space and help make it your own.

Dip-Dye Wooden Spoons [housebeautiful.com]
Looking to add more color to your kitchen without going overboard? This simple tutorial will add rainbow hues to your wooden kitchen utensils, and best of all, it takes less than an hour to complete. Store them upside down in a large ceramic jar to show off their fun new makeover.

Additional Cabinet Storage [lifehacker.com]
If the items in your kitchen cabinets are always stacked precariously on top of one another, you could likely benefit from additional storage. Add a tension rod for additional storage, or add a classic Lazy Susan so that you can reach things like spices and small jars with ease.

Cutting Board Tablet Stand [countryliving.com]
If you frequently use your iPad or other tablet to look up recipes or listen to music in the kitchen, keep it protected by creating your own stand out of an old cutting board. Simply attach a wooden Scrabble tile stand to the bottom to hold up the tablet, then prop up the entire cutting board using an old door stop on the back.

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Transform Your Ordinary Bookcase Into a Showcase With These Simple Tips

August 20, 2015 by

If you frequently find yourself admiring stylish bookcase vignettes on interior design websites, you’re not alone. While these beautiful shelves look effortless online, it can be much more difficult to create one in person. Here are a few simple steps for creating a designer-worthy bookcase — without giving yourself a headache!

  1. Alternate books. Instead of lining your books up library-style, alternate their direction by also adding stacks of horizontal-facing books. You can even place a small paperweight or candle on top of those stacks to add more visual interest.
  2. Organize books by color. If your bookshelf is filled to the brim with reading materials, make it look more organized by arranging the titles by color to create a rainbow effect.
  3. Unify mismatched knick-knacks. If your collection of knick-knacks looks a bit shabby, unify the set by painting them all one color. Try a stark white, a bold primary hue, or a fun pop of neon.
  4. Decorate the insides of the shelves. Give your bookshelf itself a makeover by adding a bright coat of paint or a layer of wallpaper to the backs of each shelf.
  5. Add artwork. Instead of just using books and knick-knacks, turn your shelves into an art gallery. Prop up a frame or even hang a picture from the front of the shelves where their corners meet.

Bookshelf Styling Tips: The Basics and Beyond [HGTV]
Styling a Bookshelf: 10 Homes That Get It Right [Design Sponge]
10 Tricks for Styling Your Bookshelves [Style Me Pretty: Living]

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How to Add Organic Touch to Your Home’s Decor

August 6, 2015 by

Going organic doesn’t end at the grocery store. In fact, there are a number of different ways that you can incorporate organic elements throughout your entire home. Here are just a few great ways to add a natural touch to the decor in your living space.

  • Create a nature-inspired vignette. If you admire something beautiful on your morning walk, such as a unique branch or a particularly interesting stone, add it to a stack of books on a tabletop to create a flawless vignette.
  • Create stone hot pads. Glue smooth, flat stones to the surface of simple kitchen hot pads to keep your countertops protected from hot pots and pans.
  • Choose natural rugs. Soft, organic materials like jute and hemp look beautiful when woven into a rug, and they’re much friendlier on the environment than synthetic versions.
  • Create organic centerpieces. The next time you host a dinner party, fill a ceramic vase with foraged tree branches or add pine cones to a clear bowl for a unique centerpiece inspired by the outdoors.
  • Change up your drapes. One of the simplest ways to bring the outdoors in is by allowing as much natural light as possible into your home. Switch out heavy drapes with soft, sheer panels to maximize the light.

Decorating with Natural Elements [Better Homes & Gardens]
10 Simple Ways to Bring the Outdoors Inside [Freshome]
Decorating with Natural Elements from Natural Kitchen and Home [Pinterest]

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Shop for Stylish Organizational Products at These Popular Retailers

July 23, 2015 by

Organizing your home may seem like a daunting task, but when you invest in chic, stylish organizational products at popular home decor stores, it becomes a whole lot more, well, fun! Here are just three great retailers that offer storage bins, shelves, baskets, and home office supplies to help you get your mess under control.

West Elm
If you love the look of mid-century modern home furnishings, this popular retailer is for you. West Elm offers everything from basic baskets for corralling blankets in the living room to hanging wall shelves made for organizing mail and magazines, and you can feel confident that each item will add major modern flair to any room in the home.

CB2
For anyone whose home decor style is modern and minimalist, CB2 offers a great selection of clean-lined containers, wall-mounted storage shelves, and even multipurpose furniture that plays double duty as a storage unit. Whether you're looking for something futuristic or something simple, you'll find both in this wide selection.

Urban Girl Office Supply
If you work from home, get your office organized with fun, colorful office supplies from this eclectic online retailer. You’ll find bright neon paper trays, designer name file folders, and even patterned labels to help you locate everything once it’s neatly tucked away.

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