Rock Canyon Fall Newsletter

QUESTION: Brrr! How Can I Prep My Pad and Block Out Those Winter Chills?

Winter is just around the corner, so it’s time to start thinking about ways to keep your apartment warm and cozy. Winterizing your apartment helps you to keep the heat inside, blocks the cold from getting in, and can even save you money on your utility bills. Here are some tips to help you get started.

Start with the Windows - You can buy at-home window winterization kits to prevent heat loss from the main culprit in every home and apartment: The windows. All you need is a hot air blow-dryer to install the kit. These inexpensive kits create a pocket of air between the see-through plastic and the glass of a window, which acts as an extra layer of insulation.

Stop That Front Door Draft - A bean bag door sweep is a simple and inexpensive solution to that cold draft that creeps in beneath everyone’s front door. It’s a long, slender cloth bag filled with sand or other materials. Simply place it on the floor in front of the door and that chilly draft is a thing of the past! This also works for sliding doors too!

Don’t Forget the Ceiling Fan - Ceiling fans aren’t just for coo

ling your apartment in the summer. Every ceiling fan has a switch on the side that can be flipped to reverse the fan’s direction. (Turn the fan off first!) Fan blades should spin counterclockwise in the summer, or clockwise in the winter to push warm air downward.

APARTMENT LIVING TIP: How to Clean Your Oven

Is your oven in need of a good cleaning? Good news! Deep cleaning your oven doesn’t have to be a daunting task! Remove the racks of your oven and wash them separately in the sink. Use a soft brush, sponge or SOS pad to scrape off food remnants like melted cheese. Then, if you have a self-cleaning oven, just flip the switch! Once the cleaning cycle is finished, use a cloth to wipe out the remaining ashes. Don’t have a self-cleaning oven? No problem! Apply the oven cleaner yourself and start scrubbing. Once everything

is dry, put the shelves back in. Then, enjoy your sparkling oven!

FUN FACT: More People Fall in Love in Fall.

FUN APARTMENT: 4 Must-Haves for a Football Party in Your Apartment

The arrival of fall brings crunchy leaves, cooler temperatures and…football season! Want to invite some friends over to watch the next game? Here are four must-haves for a successful football party in your apartment.

• TV: You can’t watch the game without a TV. The larger the screen, the better!

• Food and Drinks: Make sure you have plenty of food and drinks to go around. One idea is to have everyone bring a snack, drink, side or dessert to supplement the food and drinks you’re already supplying.

• Seating: In addition to your couch, place extra chairs and stools around your apartment with a visible view of the TV. Borrow some chairs from your neighbors or friends if you’re short.

• Friendly Competition. Ask the folks you invite to show their

spirit by wearing their favorite team’s colors. Now, sit back, relax and enjoy the game!

SEASONAL RECIPE: Roasted Pumpkin Seeds

Scoop out the seeds of a pumpkin. Discard the stringy fibers and rinse the seeds well. Bring a medium pot of water to a boil. Add the seeds, reduce heat and boil gently for 10 minutes. Drain seeds well and pat dry. Place seeds in a bowl and toss with oil. Spread seeds in a single layer on a baking dish. Roast seeds at 250 degrees, stirring every 10 minutes, until just crisp and golden brown, for about one hour. Cool completely and enjoy!