Articles Tagged "winter"

Whether you want to satisfy your competitive spirit or just enjoy some pleasant exercise, Idaho Ice World is a skating facility to accommodate anyone. When our real estate agents want some quality ice time, these are their favorite activities.

1. Public Skating
   Regardless of age or level of experience, everyone is welcome at Idaho Ice World's public skating times. Sessions are held during afternoons and evenings to fit most schedules. Skate rental is available for $4, with an additional $1 for EZ Skater trainers. Admission (without rental) is $8 for adults and $7 for ages 4-12, with ages 3 and under admitted free. Season passes are offered for both individuals and families. Visit the website for a full schedule.
   
   
2. Freestyle Skating
   Do you have a budding Tara Lipinski or Scott Hamilton in your family? They can practice their spins or get private lessons during freestyle skating times. Skaters who are working on competition routines have a chance to practice with their musical accompaniment played on the loudspeaker. Admission is $14 for a one-hour session, and tickets may be purchased online. Visit the website for available times. 
   
   
3. Skating Lessons
   Every year, Idaho Ice World's Learn to Skate program is recognized as a Top-10 program by U.S. Figure Skating, the sport's national governing body. Classes are conducted in two-month sessions, with skaters grouped by age and skill level. There is a special Spuds & Tater Tots program for ages 2-4. In-house coaches are also available for private lessons tailored to a skater's particular needs and goals. Visit the website for more information about pricing and schedule. 
   
   
4. Pick-Up Hockey
   Can't find enough people for a team? Head to Idaho Ice World for some pick-up hockey. Full protective gear is required, and sessions are BYOP (bring your own puck). Space is limited to 20 participants, ages 18 and up. Admission is $14, and tickets may be purchased online. Visit the website for a full schedule.
   
   
5. Stick Time
   It can be tough finding a place to practice hockey skills around Boise homes for sale. Fortunately, Idaho Ice World conducts a number of Stick Time sessions to practice skating, stickhandling and shooting. All skaters ages 17 and under must be in full protective gear, while older skaters are required to wear a helmet, and everyone must BYOP. Admission is $12, and sessions are limited to the first 30 skaters. Tickets may be purchased online. Visit the website for the full schedule, including 12-and-up and senior sessions.
   
   
6. Hockey Learn to Play
   If your child dreams of following in the skates of Wayne Gretzky, Hockey Learn to Play (HLTP) is the place to be. Novice players receive training in all the fundamentals, including basic stance, stride, knee bend, use of skate edges, and holding a stick. Full protective gear is required, and Idaho Ice World has a limited amount of equipment provided at no charge on a first-come-first-served basis. All "rental" equipment must be returned at the end of the session. Classes are offered four times a year in two-month sessions and must be completed before joining youth hockey leagues. Visit the website for the schedule and pricing.

With the upcoming Christmas break, a trip to Ice World will be a great way to give everyone in the family some fun exercise. Make a plan now to get to the rink. NOTE: Ice World is closed on both Christmas Day and New Year's Day.

Let us use our skills to help you glide through the process of buying or selling a home. Contact us at Coldwell Banker Tomlinson for more information.

The festive season is on its way, and downtown Meridian is ready to celebrate. Our real estate agents love working in this city thanks to all of the exciting holiday events. There are plenty of these to look forward to in 2022. Here are just a few of the highlights! 

• Christmas in Meridian Winterlights Parade and Tree Lighting
  On Friday, December 2nd, from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM, Meridian will be holding its local Christmas parade at the Generations Plaza downtown. This event kicks off with a screening of "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" on a large projection screen next to the plaza's main stage. After this, the parade will begin its route through old town Meridian, accompanied by performances from the Treasure Valley Children's Theatre along the way. When Santa Claus reaches the end of his trek, he will light up the city's giant Christmas tree to signal the official start of Meridian's Christmas season. Food and hot cocoa will be available at the plaza's food court during the event to help paradegoers stay cozy while they wait for the grand finale.  
  
  
• Downtown Decorating Contest
  Every year, the many businesses of downtown Meridian dress up their storefronts for the city's Downtown Decorating Contest. This beloved tradition gives local entrepreneurs the chance to show off their Christmas spirit and gain some community goodwill, and many of them go all-out to create some truly impressive displays. Every resident can vote for their favorite display on the city's website. This year, voting for the contest opens on Friday, December 2nd, and closes on December 11th. Winners will be announced the day after the voting period ends. 
  
  
• Shop Meridian Downtown Night
  On Thursday, December 8th, from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM, downtown Meridian will host a special outdoor shopping event. Pop-up vendors from all over the city will gather in the streets to sell their wares to the people passing by. You'll be able to pick up one-of-a-kind treasures and gifts from local small businesses, sample some food and treats from the many eateries near our Meridian homes for sale, and even enter the Meridian Chamber's Shop Meridian prize drawing. 
  
  
• Children's Winterland Festival 
  On Saturday, December 10th, from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM, the Boys and Girls Club of Meridian will be hosting its annual Children's Wonderland Festival. Children from all over the community can come to the club building to enjoy games, arts and crafts, and a photo opportunity with Santa himself. This is a free event sponsored by Meridian Parks and Recreation and All American Insurance, so your kids can just show up and start having fun. 
  
  
• The 5th Annual Interfaith Food, Blanket and Toy Drive
  On Sunday, December 11th, from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM, volunteers will be running Meridian's annual food, blanket, and toy drive in the Vertical View Climbing Gym parking lot. Community members are encouraged to bring non-perishable food items, new unwrapped toys, and new store-bought or homemade blankets to the parking lot. All items go to benefit charities like the Meridian Food Bank and Star Outreach Food Pantry, Toys for Tots, and Blanket the World, as well as various local homeless shelters. 

This small city is full of culture and opportunity all year round. Contact us today to learn more about our Meridian and Boise homes for sale and find out how you can become a part of this exceptional community. 

'Tis the Season to Celebrate!

With the holiday season right around the corner, there's no reason your business shouldn't be in on the fun. Whether it's with your employees or the community, here are a few ideas for your business to celebrate the holidays:

Holiday Party

There is nothing more straight-forward than a holiday party. Host a staff holiday party or sponsor a holiday event within your community. Bring on the food, holiday music, and enjoy seeing everyone have fun together! A holiday party can boost employee morale and offers an opportunity to show your appreciation as an employer.

Volunteer

Volunteering and serving those in need makes the holidays even more meaningful. Take advantage of the opportunity to serve your community! Not only will this benefit your community, but it will also benefit your business by helping build meaningful relationships between your employees, business, and community.

Give away free samples and swag

'Tis the season to give! Give a gift that will also give back to your business! Choose products that are popular and useful, and then brand them with your logo and color scheme. Giving away free samples and swag can be the perfect way to spread holiday cheer while also promoting your brand.

Offer gift cards

Everybody loves gift cards! Make holiday shopping easy on your customer by providing a simple, easy way to purchase gift cards from your business. Giving a gift card is a great way to show you care, while also ensuring the recipient gets exactly what they want!

Host a giveaway or contest on social media 

Social media is a great way to engage your current customers and attract new ones. Hold a contest or give away a product or service related to your business. There are a lot of different ways you can structure your contest or giveaway, including comment to win, hashtags, or photo contests. Make sure to check that your contest is in compliance with social media contest rules, as they can vary by channel.

We hope you enjoy these tips on how to celebrate the holidays as an organization. Happy Holidays from all of us at Idaho Central Credit Union!

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We understand that no two paths to buying a home are the same. Whether you're a first-time homebuyer or a seasoned real estate mogul, we have a variety of products and loans designed specifically to meet your needs. We offer local underwriting and fast approvals to save you time and money. We have options for down payments and additional resources like our Finally Home! online program to help guide you through the home-buying process. Contact one of our home loan specialists to discuss your options today!

Clear the Air

Winter's cold likely means you've kept your doors and windows closed tight, creating the opportunity for stale air and not-so-fresh smells. Scented candles and air fresheners can only go so far and will likely cover the odor, rather than eliminate it – plus, depending on what you are using, you might be adding toxins, a trade not worth making.

These tips will help you clear the air.

• Eliminate the Source
  Did a piece of food slip under the fridge or fall behind the trash can under your sink? Perhaps you missed a spot your new puppy visited. Identifying the source is your first step in getting rid of an unwelcome smell.
  
  
• Clean the Dishwasher
  To clean and freshen the dishwasher, place a cup filled with white vinegar on the top rack, and run the cycle as normal without any other dishes in the dishwasher. This will eliminate many of the smells.

• Check the Drains
  Sometimes food can get stuck in the drains in your kitchen sink, where it turns rancid and starts to stink. If you have a garbage disposal, you can deodorize it by placing some slices of lemon or orange in it, turning on the water and running the disposal. If that doesn't work, send some mouthwash down it, or try some white vinegar.

If your seldom-used guest bath smells, it could be due to water not being run through the pipes for a time. Water can sit in the p-trap and get mildewy, causing a rotten odor. Run hot water in both tub and sink for 30 seconds to a minute to move the old water through. Deodorize further by sending a quarter cup of baking soda down the drain. If the odor persists, you might need to call in a professional to check the roof vents to make sure they aren't clogged.

• Clean the Carpets
  Since it's winter, you may not want to have your carpets shampooed. But, if they are the source of the smell, you'll want to deal with it. Start by sprinkling baking soda, and letting it sit in place for about an hour. Then vacuum thoroughly. The baking soda will pull out some of the odors.
  
  
• Kill Urine Smells with Vinegar
  The acidity of the vinegar will help it to kill the smell of urine, as well as bacteria. If you've had some accidents from pets on the carpet, mix one part vinegar and three parts water. Rub the mixture into the carpet with a cloth, rinse, and allow to air dry. This will help neutralize the odor without covering it with cleaning chemicals.

Now, let's talk toxins.

Most of us never think about candles as a potential toxin, but unless you are burning 100% beeswax candles, which are actually natural cleaners, you could be adding toxic chemicals to the air. The same goes for incense. Think about ditching your traditional methods for beeswax candles (with cotton wicks) and grandma's tried and true natural method of aromatherapy: simmering a stick of cinnamon and slices of orange on the stove.

For more suggestions, take a look at these tips from Seventh Generation. Oftentimes, simpler methods from the past are still the best!

January Blues?

For a lot of people, January is the longest month. The hustle of the holidays is over. Visiting family and friends have returned home. The weather is, well, blah, especially for non-skiers/snowboarders, and it can seem dark. All. The. Time.

You can lift your spirits by employing a few little tricks:

Add a bouquet of fresh flowers to your dining table. Pick up some flowers in your favorite colors to adorn your dining room.

Light summer-scented candles. Scents such as coconut, lemon, tangerine, or light florals will boost your mood by reminding you that warmer weather will be here again soon.

Bring in some daylight. Daylight LED light bulbs mimic the natural light of the sun. With more of a blue light, these bulbs better mirror actual daylight.

Host a Hawaiian-themed party. Ask your guests to wear their brightest "Aloha" shirts and come ready to shine.

• Order your supplies or check your local party supply store:
  • Colorful sunglasses
  • Leis
  • Cocktail toothpicks & drink umbrellas
  • Paper plates, cups, & napkins
• Keep your menu simple
  • For drinks, make it easy by serving homemade lemonade, both hard and non-alcoholic. See our blog post with great recipes from last summer HERE. Garnish with a lemon slice and a strawberry or two along with a colorful umbrella.
  • Make easy fruit kebabs with green and red grapes, blueberries, tangerine sections, pineapple chunks, and kiwi slices.
  • Speaking of kebabs, one of our favorite recipes is for baked Hawaiian chicken kebabs that take only 40 minutes from start to table. And you can do them in the oven! Get the recipe HERE.
  • Add some basmati or jasmine rice and a nice green salad with a light dressing, and you're good to go.
• Music
  • Beach Boys, of course!

Fire up the BBQ. Not feeling the Hawaiian theme? Light the grill and cook up some burgers and dogs. Pair them with some potato salad and maybe some chips and salsa, and you'll be feeling the summertime vibe in no time.

Before you light your BBQ, make sure to remove all the snow and ice from around the grill and give it plenty of time to preheat. Grilling in colder weather takes longer, so keep the lid closed, and plan accordingly.

Don't let the winter blues take away your summertime joy. Recreate it until it's here again for real.

Really!

Believe it or not, fruitcake is a well-loved dessert known throughout the world. It is only in the United States that this cake is the butt of jokes, probably because they were, at one time, mass-produced for mail order and tended to be dry and of questionable age. Some say the ridicule can be traced to Johnny Carson on The Tonight Show, but research shows "fruitcake trashing" occurred much earlier in the 20th century.

Though celebrated by some as the delicious tradition it is intended to be (National Fruitcake Day is December 27), others applaud this dense loaf laced with fruit and nuts only when it is flying through the air on National Fruitcake Toss Day, January 3 (or the 7^th, depending on which website you visit).

Historically speaking, some believe that ancient Egyptians sent fruitcake to the afterlife with their deceased loved ones. We do know that they did not become common, though, until Roman times, when pomegranate seeds, pine nuts, and barley mash were mixed together.

Preserved fruit, spices, and honey were added during the Middle Ages. Sugar became a main ingredient in the 1500s in the American Colonies, and alcohol was widely used starting in the 1800s. Somewhere along the way, nuts became a staple, as well.

Today, fruitcake is served year 'round in Australia, but is generally enjoyed as a Christmas cake across Europe, India, and parts of the Caribbean.

So, will you buck the trend in the U.S. and give this recipe a try? If you don't like it, you can always save it for January 3!

No-Bake Graham Cracker Fruitcake

3/4 c. sweetened condensed milk

3 c. mini marshmallows

1/2 c. orange juice

1 box + 1 inner seal pkg graham crackers

1 tsp. cinnamon

1 tsp. allspice

1/2 tsp. ground cloves

1 c. raisins

1 c. dates, chopped

1 c. nuts, chopped

16 oz. assorted candied fruit, chopped

DIRECTIONS

Combine milk, marshmallows, & orange juice in large bowl. Let soak 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until marshmallows soften & dissolve slightly. Crush graham crackers into fine crumbs & mix with spices. Add fruits & nuts, stir. Slowly add liquid mixture and stir by hand until well combined.

Press fruitcake into non-stick, lightly greased, or waxed-paper-lined bread pan or mold, cover with plastic wrap, and then with foil. Refrigerate for 2-3 days for flavors to combine. Slice & enjoy.

OPTIONAL INGREDIENTS

Instead of the listed fruit, experiment with craisins, dried apples, peaches, mangoes, blueberries, and/or strawberries, or get crazy and use gumdrops, gummy bears, gummy worms, and/or chocolate chips. If you use dried fruit, soak it in additional orange juice (or brandy) in a glass or ceramic bowl (not metal) a few hours or overnight to soften.