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Top 20 Things to Recycle in Your Home

by I Am Benchmark

November 15th is “America Recycles Day!”

In honor of this sustainable celebration, we have made a list of common household items that we can all recycle to help conserve resources and protect our environment.

Kitchen

  1. Food Boxes
    cereal boxes, frozen meal boxes, crackers, pasta, etc
  2. Food Cans
    canned foods, canned drinks, canned sauces, etc
  3. Plastic Jugs
    milk jugs, juice jugs, etc
  4. Paper Towel Rolls
    don’t forget plastic wrap rolls, aluminum foil rolls, and their boxes
  5. Plastic Bottles
    condiments, soft drinks, dressings, etc
  6. Old Appliances
    microwaves, toasters, dishwashers, refrigerators, stoves, etc
  7. Cooking Oil
    vegetable oil, canola oil, peanut oil, and other frying oils can be used as biodiesel

Bathroom

  1. Shampoo Bottles
    don’t forget conditioner and other bottled cosmetic cleansers
  2. Soap Boxes
    paper wrappers and other cardboard cosmetic and hygiene product boxes as well
  3. Toilet Paper Roll
    if you have small children in your house, consider reusing them for crafts!

Living Room

  1. Household batteries
    AA, AAA, C, D, 9V, and button cell batteries
  2. Electronics
    televisions, remote controls, blu ray players, stereos, speakers, sound bars, game consoles, etc

Bedroom

  1. Tissue Boxes
    don’t forget other cardboard panels and containers
  2. Magazines
    and newsletters, books at the end of their life, etc
  3. Mattresses
    foam, innerspring, latex, or combination

Office

  1. Junk Mail
    postcards, letters, fliers, and more. more fun to throw, so consider a bin for recyclables next to the trash bin
  2. Scrap Paper
    printing mistakes, notepad pages, hole punched holes, and more no paper left behind!
  3. Ink Cartridges
    some models allow you to reuse them, or exchange for refurbished at a discount

Garage

  1. Tires
    don’t forget lawn tractor and other tires
  2. Automotive Fluids
    oil, power steering fluid, coolant, brake fluid, can all be either used for fuel or recycled

Some items require advanced processing and recycling may not be available in all cities. Click here to see if recycling for these items is available in your area.

Remember, it is better to reduce what you use, and reuse what has already been used, and lastly, to recycle items that would otherwise end up in a landfill. Paper, cardboard, and organic matter can also be composted to help feed your garden.

Fantastic Fall Destinations To Explore

by Jason Haeger

In the second week of Autumn, there is a refreshing cool in the air, a visible change in the natural landscape, and a desire to make use of the days as their lengths are continually shortened in anticipation of the coming winter. This is a list of 7 amazing destinations for you and your family, no matter its size, to explore to make lasting memories and experiences.

 

Napa Valley

The Napa Valley is a narrow strip of land between the Vacas Mountains, and the Mayacamas Mountains with the Napa River flowing in its midst. This is the time of year when Napa Valley cools down, and becomes a cultural destination for Hot Air Ballooning, railroad nostalgia on the Napa Valley Wine Train, Wine Tasting, Hiking, and more. Enjoy a Safari in an open Jeep, or walk among preserved giants in the Petrified Forest.

 

San Antonio

San Antonio, a city older than the United States, is already a top travel destination. Autumn tempers the weather to a tolerable range, in the Texas Hill Country, where the sights and sounds are a cultural treat. While the weather makes the outdoors appealing, visit The Alamo, enjoy a boat tour, a scenic stroll, or al fresco dining on the San Antonio River Walk, and visit La Villita for the Dia De Los Muertos celebration. Don’t forget about Sea World and Six Flags Fiesta Texas for the kids (or kids at heart)!

 

The Enchanted Circle

The Enchanted Circle is a scenic byway in Northern New Mexico surrounded by the Carson National Forest to the west, Santa Fe National Forest to the south, and Wheeler Peak Wilderness to the north. The historic Taos Pueblo (pictured), continually inhabited for the past 1,000 years, is in the southwest of the Enchanted Circle. The arrival of fall welcomes a spectacular display of color in the southern Rocky Mountains when the weather is perfect for hiking, biking, or visiting the historic sites and soaking in the distinctive southwest culture.

 

Shenandoah Valley

The Shenandoah Valley is rich with American history, gorgeous fall foliage, and crisp weather to enjoy the outdoors. Hike among the colors of the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests, Float, fish, or hike along the Shenandoah River State Park, hike part of the Appalachian Trail, mingle amongst the stalactites and stalagmites in the Shenandoah Caverns, take a Drive-Through Safari, or visit one of many historic sites and museums. And don’t forget to take the drive down Blue Ridge Parkway, “America’s favorite drive”, with breathtaking views of the mountains and seasonal foliage as you wind your way through the hills.

 

The Great Smokey Mountains

The Great Smokey Mountains run along the border between Tennessee and North Carolina, and are full of deciduous forests, small towns, and enough Americana to outlast your stay. Take a Scenic Drive, plan to Hike, Bike, Fish, or take in the local culture in the towns along the range. Plan a trip to Dollywood, the Forbidden Caverns, and climb aboard with the Great Smokey Mountains Railroad. The mountains are calling.

 

Sedona

Sedona lies in the heart of Coconino National Forest and is famous for being Red Rock Country, which is unlike anywhere else on earth. Take in the scenery by rail with the Verde Canyon Railroad, or visit the must-see Grand Canyon nearby with Grand Canyon Railway. Immerse yourself in the beautify and tranquility of the red rocks and the turning of the leaves on foot on one of several available Hiking Trails or Biking Trails. Take in one of countless breathtaking views, take an hour and a half drive to Meteor Crater, a ~1mile wide, 550ft deep, and the world’s best preserved meteorite impact site. If you want to see the red rock monuments from the air, take a Balloon or Helicopter for memories to last a lifetime.

 

Home

Whether you live in a house, a condo, or an apartment, there is just no place like home. One of the little joys of your own space is the freedom to choose your own fall colors to celebrate. Whether you prefer the oranges and reds, or you love the yellow and green contrast of aspens among evergreens, the choice is yours. The color pallet of your favorite place to converse with friends or cozy up with a good book and a cup of tea is subject to your whim and design. The world you choose to enter in a book, or create in conversation is yours for the taking.

If you would like to find your first home, refinance your beloved home, or are searching for a new one, meet our team, send us a message, or apply now. We would be honored to be on your team to help make your dreams come true.

If you would like to find your first home, refinance your beloved home, or are searching for a new one, give me a call, send me a message, or apply now. We would be honored to be on your team to help make your dreams come true.

If you would like to find your first home, refinance your beloved home, or are searching for a new one, contact your branch or apply now. It would be our honor to be of help to make your dreams come true.

5 Tips To A Great Start For The New School Year

by I Am Benchmark

Every new school year brings with it a clean slate, nervous excitement, optimistic hope, and high expectations. In addition to the tips we published before (A New School Year Means New Opportunities), here are 5 tips to getting off on the right foot.

 

A Place For Everything, And Everything In Its Place

Establish a designated place for all school supplies and papers. You will appreciate having a single location where school related items stay, especially when things get hectic.

 

Tell Your Calendar Who Is Boss

Schedule your family’s important doctor, dental, and other appointments ahead of time. Before blocking out your calendar with after school activities, block out important dates and appointments. The dates will be set, and you won’t be scrambling to fit them in later. Don’t forget to schedule your own appointments too!

 

Well Laid Plans Make Life Easier

When it comes to planning, anything worth doing is worth overdoing. Set yourself up for success by doing more than just planning. Over-plan, because failing to plan is planning to fail. Within a few short weeks, everyone in your household will ease into their own rhythm, and the hours will plan themselves. Until then, overdo your preparations for new learning strategies, new schedules, and new teachers.

 

Take The Time To Soak It All In

Don’t forget to stop and slow down every once in a while. Every new school year brings with it the excitement of novelty and the anticipation of change. Remember to stop every now and then, to take a deep breath, and to enjoy each moment. As Socrates famously said, “An unexamined life is not worth living.”

 

Embrace Your Inner Optimist

Attitudes are contagious, so remember to smile, maintain a positive attitude, and believe that the best is yet to come.

5 Easy Tips for Fall Decorations

by Jason Haeger

Think Outside The Pumpkin

photograph of a pumpkin

Make your fall pumpkin stand out by decorating the OUTSIDE, rather than gutting it. Not only does this broaden the possibilities to glitter, paint, melting crayons, and more, but it could also prolong the life of your beautiful gourd.

 

Warm Hues + Neutrals = Autumn Environment

Fall colors aerial view

Bring the autumn indoors by looking to nature for inspiration.

 

 Keep Firewood In Your Fireplace

pre-loaded fireplace

Not only will it save you a step for the next fire you build, but it will appear “primed” and ready, creating a cozy feel with the comfort of having things already taken care of.

 

Show Off Throw Pillows And Blankets

blankets add color and warmth

Cooler temperatures mean cozy decor is a welcome addition. Use blankets and throw pillows to add color and coziness to your living spaces.

 

Display Apples In A Bowl

Glossy red apples on display

Be authentic by showing off the best fruit of the season: Apples! Beautiful, fresh seasonal fruit on display gives a feeling of abundance. The fresh scent doesn’t hurt, either!

Boy reading on the living room rug.

A New School Year Means New Opportunities

by Jason Haeger

Boy reading on the living room rug.

As we are in early September, and most school districts have been in session for at least a week, it’s a good time to pause and reflect.

Every year, students begin afresh in a new grade, families return to a routine anchored in a schedule created by the school(s) their children attend, friends are reunited while new friends are made, and a clean slate is delivered with the promise of good marks for academic performance.

For many, this is the reason for the new clothes, new supplies, and general feeling of newness that comes from new investments into materials and time with a purpose. For students, there will be new subjects, new lessons, new teachers, new textbooks, new methods, and new patterns. When a pattern is repeated, it becomes a routine. Routines become habits, and habits build character.

Every New School Year is a Chance to Build Something New

Good choices are made when your student(s) feel secure about who they are. The biggest control factor is you: family time and family dynamics. If you do not typically do these things, this is a good time to start making positive patterns in your life.

1. Meal Time Gatherings

If you do not already sit down together as a family for your evening meal, try to set aside as many days to do this as possible. Eating is a social act, as much as it is practical, and emotions are closely tied with it. This can help give you more quality time together, and help strengthen a sense of belonging.

2. Healthy Sleep Patterns

If you consider yourself a night owl, but the world doesn’t seem to understand why starting later is a grand idea, this is for you. While it is pretty common knowledge that the recommended time for adults is 7-9hrs, school aged children need between 9-11hrs, including those in high school. (src: Sleep Foundation) Getting enough sleep is important for cognitive performance, including memory, concentration, and alertness (not a complete list). This is a new school year. Schedule your time to set yourself up for success.

3. Outdoor Activity

When weather allows, spend some time in the great outdoors, even if only for a few minutes. If you are someone who likes to wake up early, a morning walk, jog, or run is a great way to get outside while building your immune system, improving your mood, and enhancing your cognitive function. If that doesn’t sound like you, even going for a walk before or after your family’s evening meal can yield real benefits. On the weekends, try bicycling, hiking, sports, or just going for a walk to potentially improve your well-being.

4. Find and Feed Your Passion

Mark Twain is said to have said, “Don’t let your boy’s schooling interfere with his education.” (but it was probably Grant Allen src: Quote Investigator) With so many interests, ideas, and hobbies to explore, it just makes good sense to feed your passion, and to engage in the developing expertise in that which catches your fancy. Some schools offer classes to help this along as a professional pursuit, but if your does not, don’t let schooling interfere with education. A sharp mind is a curious mind.

5. Volunteer

Nothing gives you a vested interest in your community quite like investing your time and energies to give back. Of course, this assumes you can make the time. Not only does it feel good to do good, but this is also a great resume booster for students who will be applying to attend college!

The Takeaway

Every new beginning, just like the start of a new school year, is to make positive lasting changes. Make sure to write the new activities, orders, or plans into your schedule, and stick to it. If you do, they just may become full blown habits by midterms. Happy School year!

DIY Self-Draining Bath Toy Storage

by I Am Benchmark

Bath-Toy-Organizer(featured)

If you have a small child (or small children), you probably have “too many” bath toys, and would benefit from an easy-access storage system. Better yet, an easy-access storage system that drains automatically. Well, you’ve come to the right place.

DIY Bath Toy Organizer

Photo of DIY bath toy organizer

This set up is great! Your little one can reach all of his/her toys, and putting them away after bath time is both easy, and fun! To make this organizer, you will need a few things.

Gather Supplies

  • 1 – tension shower rod (you can get this at any home improvement store)
  • 4 – (or your preferred quantity) plastic baskets with holes in them (you can find these at dollar stores)
  • 2 – per basket – S type shower hooks (metal is recommended for ease of use)

Do you have your supplies? Great! Now it’s time to put our new idea together!

Make It!

  1. Size your rod so that it fits roughly 6″ above the side of your tub along the back wall, and install.
  2. Install the shower hooks onto the tension shower rod.
  3. Decide where your baskets will be placed, and fasten to the rod by using the hooks with the holes in the baskets.

Easy, right? See? You CAN Do It Yourself!

Use It!

You know what to do! If you have toys that can be categorized, have fun placing categories in their own bins. Toss the toys home in a round of bath-time hoops with your little one. The best part? The holes in the bins mean that these cubbies are self-draining.

Like this project? See other projects in our DIY series. click here!

gingerbread house building image

10 Great Christmas Traditions for Your Family

by I Am Benchmark

Merry Christmas!

The trees, the lights, the music, and of course, the meaning behind it all: It really is the most wonderful time of the year!

I’m one of those people who starts listening to Christmas music on November 1, and don’t be surprised if I put decorations out before Thanksgiving. I love Christmas and everything about it!

This particular Christmas was extra special for my family, as we had just welcomed our first baby into the world four months ago. Having our sweet new addition around had me feeling more of the Christmas spirit than usual (if that’s even possible), and made me want to make the most of the season. All of these warm fuzzy feelings had me thinking: what kind of new tradition could we start with our new little family?

Here are 10 Fun Christmas Tradition Ideas for Your Family

  1. Individually wrap 25 Christmas themed books and put them under the tree. Starting December 1, have your child open one each night before bed, and read it together as a family.
  2. Invite the family over for a day of making gingerbread houses! If your family is like mine, this will quickly turn into a competition!
  3. Make or get some hot chocolate and hit the road for a night of looking at Christmas lights.
  4. Volunteer at a soup kitchen together.
  5. Have a cookie baking and decorating day. Then deliver them to your local fire or police station.
  6. Give your child a gift to be opened on Christmas Eve—include Christmas pajamas, a Christmas book, movie, hot chocolate, and candy canes.
  7. All year long, empty spare change from your pockets into a jar. When Christmas comes, decide as a family who to anonymously give the jar to.
  8. Give each child $5 to spend at the dollar store to buy gifts for family members.
  9. Hide candy canes around the house and have your kids go on a Candy Cane Hunt.
  10. Have every family member write down their favorite memory from that year on a small piece of paper. Put them all into a clear ornament and label it with the year.

We would love to hear YOUR Christmas traditions! What do you look forward to most about Christmas each year? Whatever it is…we hope you had the best one yet.

Merry Christmas
(and Happy New Year)


C-Gomez
C. Gomez
C. Gomez works at our corporate office as an administrative assistant. She recently welcomed a new addition into her family as she became a new mom! As an avid fan of Christmas, she was excited to share this article. Thank you!

Top 10 Family Vacation Spots

by Benchmark

Where it used to be difficult to decide on a vacation spot that would please the whole family, a new trend, family-friendly resorts solves the problem of where to go for that great family trip. Experience everything from an African Safari to the Wild West with one of these top 10 family vacation spots.

#1 Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge

Experience the thrill of an African safari without leaving the continent at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge in Orlando, Florida. Start by greeting the 33-acre property via the lobby’s 65-foot window. Over 200 animals from 100 different species roam the property.

#2 Hilton Waikoloa Village

If a trip to the islands is on your agenda, take the family to the Hilton Waikoloa Village on the Kohala Coast of Hawaii. Parents can sign kids up for Camp Menehune, a day and night camp where they get to feed swans, hunt for treasure and search the tidepools for sea life.

#3 Tanque Verde Ranch

Tanque Verde literally means “Green Pool.” This 640-acre ranch is Tuscan, Arizona is a green oasis in the Sonoran Desert. Turn into cowboys and go on a specialty horseback ride with lunch in Cottonwood Grove. Riding lessons are available.

#4 Snowbird Ski and Summer Resort

Take a wonderful winter vacation at Snowbird Ski and Summer Resort near Salt Lake City, Utah.In addition to skiing, family members can enjoy ice skating, snowboarding, snow tubing, luge sledding and snowshoe tours.

#5 Atlantis Resort

Explore a lost civilization with an Atlantis Resort vacation. Located on Paradise Island in the Bahamas, it has 11 exhibit lagoons and thousands of animals such as stingrays, lionfish and sharks. This trip is for the water-loving family with miles of beaches, seven water slides and 11 different pool areas.

#6 Tyler Place Family Resort

Family vacations have been the specialty of Tyler Place in Highgate Springs, Vermont since 1933. Not only do they provide activities for grade school kids, they cater to kids from newborns to teens with musical games, a fleet of strollers, bikes with baby seats, water skiing and camp outs.

#7 Vista Verde, Steamboat Springs

At Vista Verde in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, kids can learn horseback riding basics and hold powwows in teepees while parents take a wine tasting class or have a romantic candlelight dinner.

#8 Earthshine Mountain Lodge

Located in Lake Toxaway, North Carolina, Earthshine Mountain Lodge is a refreshing way to experience pioneer life. Press apple cider, make candles, apprentice in a blacksmith shop and learn the ways of the Cherokee Native American tribe.

#9 Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort and Spa, Gainey Ranch

At the Hyatt Regency in Scottsdale, Arizona, parents get plenty of R&R while the kids are entertained at Camp Hyatt Kachina. There are separate programs for kids aged 3 to 6 and 6 to 12. The camp activities are influenced by Native American culture.

#10 The Hotel Hershey

The Hotel Hershey in Hershey, Pennsylvania pairs adult activities like golf and spa treatments with the Cocoa Kids Club, a supervised program featuring arts and crafts and sports activities. Older kids get to go hiking and participate in team-building activities.

Family Vacation

Preparing Your Kids For College

by Benchmark

Teenagers who are in high school usually don’t understand what is ahead of them in college. Living on a college campus and  dealing with the responsibilities of a higher education can be difficult for  many students. Preparation beforehand is the key to having your kids know what to do before they head off.

Live As An Adult Months In Advance

Take the last few months before college as a way to prepare them for what’s ahead. You can  help them learn about budgeting money, taking care of their room, and being organized. Those last few months can prove to be  instrumental in the life of a high school student preparing for college.

Find Out Their Grades, And Get Them The  Help They Need

Watch their grades like a hawk during their final years of high school. This will allow you to find out which areas they  struggle. Once you know their trouble areas, you can help them personally or get them a tutor. Taking basic college classes is required when a student begins college, so perfecting their basic math and writing skills can help keep them a step above the rest.

Value Money

Teach your child the importance of money and how much it’ll cost for them to go to college. This can help them learn to value the education  they are getting.

College Courses

It is a good idea to prepare your child with some college courses while they are still a senior in high school. These courses are going to help prepare them, and they can be  through a local community college. It is best to consider   courses that will be accepted by their college before enrolling in the courses. Being a step ahead is always useful.

Time Management

College requires strong time management   to stay on top of college coursework, homework, and taking part in social activities in school. It is not an easy life, and sometimes teens struggle with making their homework on time. By teaching them early on in middle and in high school how to manage their time, they’ll be more prepared for college.

Preparing a child for the work involved is going to help make  the transition into college life. Whether they  live away from home or not,  these skills will serve them well in college and in life.

Excited graduation group

Keeping A Germ Free Home During Flu Season

by Benchmark

Flu season can be a dangerous time of the year. We all like to think our home is safe and germ free, but germs can be lurking everywhere! Thankfully, there are ways that you can keep your home germ free during the flu season and keep your family healthy and safe!

High-traffic Areas

There are some spots in your house that receive a lot of traffic, such as faucets, doorknobs, remote controls, toys and toilets. These are areas where germs build up quickly. That is why it is important to disinfect these areas often. Once someone from your family comes into contact with the flu virus, they can easily spread it to other areas of the house. Try to keep it from spreading by cleaning these high-traffic areas.

Disinfectants

When you want to get rid of dirt, soap and water will do the trick. However, when you want to get rid of germs, you are going to need something with a little bit more power. That is where disinfectants and sanitizers come into play. These types of cleaning products are used to kill viruses and bacteria. Keep in mind, however, that disinfectants need time to work. Sometimes they need between a few seconds to a few minutes. Read the directions on your disinfectant product to ensure that you get the maximum benefit from it.

Take Out the Trash

During the cold and flu season, your family is going to use a lot of tissues. As a result, your trash will be filled with dirty tissues that are simply overflowing with germs. This is why it is extremely important to empty your trash can often. Also, ensure that your family members do not leave their dirty tissues lying around. This is just asking for more germs to spread to other surfaces.

Be sure to keep these tips in mind when it comes to keeping your home germ free this flu season. Just remember, there is no sure-fire way to stop the spread of the flu. Thus, as soon as you notice signs of being infected, you should contact your doctor right away for treatment. The sooner you seek treatment for the flu, the quicker you can get back to your normal life!

Flu Season