Moving with Pets? Tips and Tricks to Make Life Easier!

Are you preparing for a move and feeling the stress? If you are feeling anxious, chances are high that your furry family member is feeling it, too.

But there is good news! With some advance planning, you can make the process of relocation easier for the whole family—including the wiggly pup or the fussy feline.

I’d like to share a few tips to help your pet thrive during the transition to a new home.

Actually, the first tip begins even before the actual move.

• MAKE SURE YOUR PET IS WEARING A COLLAR WITH IDENTIFICATION AT ALL TIMES. IF POSSIBLE, A MICROCHIP IS AN ADDED PLUS.

Despite our best efforts, sometimes a pet can escape through an open door, especially when stressed. An added layer of protection to help a pet return home is worth the investment!

• YOUR BUDDY NEEDS HIS OWN BACKPACK, TOO

Travel and unpacking in a new location are a lot easier if you have a designated bag for your pet. Include all your pet’s necessities including food, medications, familiar blankets, a leash, poop bags for rest stop breaks, harnesses, treats and toys.

• PROTECT YOUR PET FROM THE COMMOTION OF MOVING DAY

Moving day is hectic for both people and pets. Strangers roaming in and out of the home and a lack of routine can cause even the most mellow pet to become anxious. Try to keep him away from the bustle of moving day. Spending the day with a trusted friend or even visiting a favorite kennel is far easier on a pet than watching the commotion. At the very least, crate him in a quieter room. It’s easier on him and can prevent a tragic escape.

• LET YOUR PET TAKE HER TIME TO ACCLIMATE TO NEW SURROUNDINGS

If possible, keep your pet in the vehicle with you while enroute to a new home. Not all animals enjoy car travel, so crate your pet and cover the crate with a blanket if needed. Special accommodations may be required for air travel so speak to your veterinarian and airline well in advance to meet all guidelines.

Once you arrive at your destination, avoid giving your furry friend free reign of her new home right away. Keep your pet secluded in a peaceful location of the house with comfort toys and plenty of food and water. Gently easing her into the new environment will make it more comfortable for everyone. Be sure to keep your pet indoors until she has adjusted to her new neighborhood.

With a little advance planning and plenty of patience, moving can be a good experience for the whole family—including the furry ones!

Looking for a Great Holiday Recipe that Everyone Will Love? I've Got You Covered!

Are you looking for a recipe that will make your guests feel special but is easy to prepare?

This recipe takes chicken to a new level and is a delight to serve to family and guests. Serve with a beautiful salad and you've got a meal that's perfect for that special dinner--or an intimate dinner at home.

Try it for yourself!

Lime Chicken with Cherry Tomatoes and Potatoes

4 medium peeled waxy potatoes, thinly sliced

Flaky sea salt, coarse black pepper

4 whole chicken legs

Olive oil

16 cherry tomatoes, halved

2 limes, cut into 8 wedges each

1/2 cup dry white wine

1. Preheat oven to 425.

2. Bring a small pot of salted water to a boil and blanch the potatoes for about 5 minutes or until al dente. Drain the potatoes then spread them in a baking dish, just large enough to fit the chicken legs in, and season to taste with salt and pepper.

3. Cut off and discard any large chunks of fat from the chicken legs. Rub the chicken with a little olive oil, seasoned to taste with salt and pepper. Place on top of the potatoes. Arrange the tomatoes and limes in between the chicken legs.

4. Whisk together the white wine and 3 TBSPs of olive and oil and pour over the chicken. Roast, spooning the juices from the pan over the chicken every ten minutes or so for 25-30 minutes or until juices run clear when you prick the thickest part of a thigh with a skewer.

5. Turn on the broiler for 1-2 minutes or until the chicken skin is golden brown and starts sizzling. Serve immediately.

It's Time to Winterize Your Home!

There’s a chill in the air and the shorter days and cooler weather all point to one thing: it’s time to winterize your home!

Luckily, our mild climate doesn’t require heavy-duty winterizing that occurs for our northern neighbors. But let’s take a look at a few simple projects that you can do today that may save heartache and hassle later!

1. Clean the gutters

It seems simple, but sometimes we avoid it, or do an incomplete cleaning. The leaves fall for a long time during the season and even if you cleaned your gutters before our first big storm, it may be worthwhile to take another look. Water needs a clear path to run so make sure that your gutters and downspouts are clear.

While you are cleaning your gutters—or hiring a pro to tackle the job-- look for areas where gutters are loose and may have torn away from the house. Clean, well-secured gutters are essential to keeping water away from your home.

2. Check smoke detectors

Pure and simple, smoke and carbon detectors save lives. Fall is a great time to install new batteries in your smoke detector and ensure your family’s continued safety. And remember, if your alarm chirps, it’s a sure sign that the battery is low, so replace it right away.

If your detectors are a decade old, it’s time to consider swapping them for newer models.

3. Hire a chimney sweep

Before lighting a fire, it’s a great idea to have your chimney checked. A Chimney sweep can remove soot and other chemicals that can built up in your fireplace, check for cracked tiles and assess exterior damage in the masonry.

Not only can a chimney sweep make sure that your winter fires burn safely, but a well-performing fireplace can also actually save money and help your fireplace function more efficiently.

4. Perform furnace maintenance

Getting chilly in the house? It’s a great idea to perform regular maintenance on your furnace to be sure that it runs at peak efficiency. So, before hitting the ‘on’ switch, call a furnace maintenance professional. An additional benefit includes changing filters which can reduce allergens in the home.

5. Assess windows and doors

Is it feeling a little drafty in your home? Check those doors and windows! Did you know that heat lost through doors and windows and account for up to 30 percent of home energy use?

Look for cracks or gaps in the exterior caulking, assess seals around exterior door and add caulking or weather stripping as needed. These DIY fixes and really help, but it’s a great idea to consider a professional energy assessment to provide additional insights This service is offered by most local utility companies free of charge!

A few hours or winterproofing can make your home comfy, cozy and safe all winter long!