Category: Family

Daily Happenings, Family, Hickory Things To Do

Fun Fall Festivities

Lora Knows...

The weather isn’t screaming Fall here in the Piedmont of North Carolina. We have had unseasonably warm days in the 70s and 80s. I’m hopeful for some cooler days in the near future that will peak in the low 50s, aka sweater weather.

Even though it’s warm outside there are fun fall activities to be done and enjoyed with family and friends. Here are some I think would be great – share what you like to do in the comments below.

Take a Hayride

As part of the pumpkin-picking experience, many farms offer hayrides that take you to their respective pumpkin patches. Many also have their own corn maze, which makes for great fun during your visit.

Visit an Apple Orchard

Many apple farms provide not only apple picking but also a variety of other activities. Some also have markets that sell jams, cider donuts, and other homemade baked goods. To finish off your day of fun, set aside some apples from your adventure and make caramel apples when you get home.

Hike or Bike with a Picnic

Autumn weather is ideal for outdoor activities, so connect with nature by hiking or biking through a park—ideally where foliage is in full bloom. Pack a picnic lunch, and just enjoy the beauty around you.

Stargazing

Bundle up with your favorite sweater and blanket, head to an open space to take in the beauty of the stars, and enjoy the peace and quiet that surrounds you. Take a bottle of wine and some charcuterie and make it a date night.

Scenic Drive

Hop in the car and take a ride to behold the wonders of the fall foliage. Turn on your favorite playlist, put the windows down to breathe in the fresh, cool air, and enjoy the view.

Outdoor Games

Gather your friends for a variety of games that everyone can enjoy: a relay race, cornhole, Frisbee, a scavenger hunt, or flag football. You could even organize a pumpkin-carving contest. Top off the night with an outing to your local ice-cream store.

Game Night

A game night is an excellent way to spend quality time. Cozy up with cups of hot cider or hot chocolate, play card games, board games, or charades, or extend the definition of “game” by starting a puzzle that everyone can then work on each day thereafter.

Deliver Treats

Make some pumpkin muffins or candy apples, and deliver them to your local police officers, firefighters, nurses, doctors, teachers or whoever to thank them.

Donate Time

If you’re looking for ways to give back to your community, volunteer at an animal shelter, a local food bank, soup kitchen, or any other local charity. It’s a meaningful way to spend a fall afternoon.

Daily Happenings, Family

Your Dog’s Nutrition

Lora Knows...

Your furry friend’s dietary plan should have vital nutrients and an appropriate calorie count to fulfill their daily demands for growth, activity, and recovery. The majority of commercially available dog food brands are crafted with the right proportions of nutrients suitable for your pet. However, some have additives and fillers that aren’t necessary.

Ensuring the food contains nutrients in a digestible format for your dog is important. Being dogs cannot see the color of their food, it is important that it appeals to their sense of smell and taste buds. If your dog doesn’t find the food appetizing and refuses to consume it, the meticulous balance loses its significance.

Should you notice your dog has dry skin, unexplained weight loss or gain, excessive scratching or the development of stomach discomfort, it is a good idea to change their diet. If the symptoms persist, then it is time for a visit to their favorite veterinarian.

The appropriate protein intake requirement varies among different breeds and exhibits notable changes during periods of rapid growth. During the puppy stage, a protein content of 25% is recommended, while the adult phase necessitates around 17%. Choosing a high-quality dog food brand that aligns with your dog’s activity level should suffice. Also, it is never a good idea to feed your dog people food.

Family, Real Estate

Smart Products Buyers Love

Lora Knows...

From renovating the kitchen to installing a new roof, a range of upgrades is available to enhance your home’s allure for potential buyers. However, if you’re aiming to introduce a technological advancement, consider the allure of smart home improvements. These upgrades not only enhance the livability of your space but also augment its desirability, given that 81 % of prospective homebuyers express a preference for homes equipped with smart products.

Smart Thermostat:

A smart thermostat is a valuable addition that manages your home’s temperature while curbing heating and cooling expenses. Effortless control via your smartphone or schedule-based activation upon your return from work are key features. Acquiring a new smart thermostat ranges from $100 to $300 or more, and the setup process is generally user-friendly, making it an ideal DIY project.

Automated Window Blinds:

Enhance privacy and diminish energy loss with the addition of automated window blinds controllable through a remote, app, or voice commands. These blinds can be programmed to open or close based on time of day or occupancy. During seasons of extreme temperatures, they effectively insulate your home against the outdoor climate. Costs for smart blinds vary based on window count, size, and the choice between battery-operated, plug-in, or hard-wired models. Most models start around $100.

Intelligent Smoke Detector:

While a standard smoke detector is essential for safety, an intelligent version elevates security further by sounding an alarm at home and sending alerts to your phone when detecting potential hazards, and providing reassurance when you aren’t at home. Some models even send a notification to your phone when the battery level is low. Certain insurance companies might offer homeowners insurance discounts for installing upgraded smoke detectors. Costs start around $50.

Video Doorbell:

Elevate the security of your residence by integrating a video doorbell. Placed at your front entrance, this device sends notifications to your smartphone regarding deliveries or individuals at your door, along with saved video footage. Depending on which doorbell you choosen, you can even speak with visitors when you aren’t even in the house. Installation methods include hard-wiring or battery-powered options. Costs start around $75.

Smart Lock:

Strengthen home security by installing a smart lock on your exterior doors. No longer worry about misplaced keys with a smart lock. These devices grant access through a smartphone app, fingerprint scanning, or numerical codes. Also, you can remotely allow entry for guests or offer temporary access codes, useful for babysitters or visitors. Smart lock costs vary based on the model, typically starting around $100.