October 2021 Newsletter

October Newsletter 2021

It’s fall y’all! Well. Kind of. We are in that lovely season of chilly in the evening and morning, and sweating off our layers after lunch. It’s the perfect time to start thinking about winterizing and wrapping up our list from September to prep for the cold! As us Utahns know, sometimes winter can come without warning. I’m thinking about you, little snow flurry that came out of no where in the middle of October last year… As much as we’d like to think about fall since it just arrived, we tend to go from cool and pleasant to cold snap faster than we’d like.

Winterizing your home doesn’t have to be a pain. There is someone you can hire if you have a lot going on, or just need a hand (reach out and I can help you find someone!). Or use my to do list and knock a few things off over the next few weekends to get prepared! As always, if you have any questions, comments, or things to add, sing out!

 

• Clean out gutters using a garden hose, & identify any areas that may need repair (Be sure to check the flow of rain chains!)
• Check doors for drafts. Simple way, is it able to rattle when you shake it? You may have gaps. Try visually inspecting it. Weatherstrip if this is the case
• Time for a chimney sweep if you use wood burning stoves or a fireplace
• Check and repair any cracks around your foundation where water may drip
• -Wipe down and put away patio furniture
• -Turn off sprinklers, turn off timers, and drain excess water.
• Put bib cozies on your outdoor faucets
• Did you swap your curtains for something lightweight in the summer? Time to switch back to your thermal curtains or velvet thick ones.
• Inspect and repair your snow blower if necessary
• Winter Survival Kit: Stock up on wood for your fireplace. Any de-icing for your driveway. For your car: check snow tires for leaks, make sure windshield wiper fluid is non-freezing, add back your snow brush, ice chipper, blankets and dry goods (eg: granola, candy bars).
• Switch out your furnace filter for a new one.
• Now is a great time to also check: smoke detector batteries, carbon monoxide detectors, spot light batteries, alarm system
• Check outdoor lights as it will be getting darker quicker, replace if needed
• Bring in any outdoor plants before it starts getting 45 and below at night
• Purchase grill covers if you cannot store them. Do not store propane indoors!

Real Estate Market Quick Update:

Although the market is showing some signs of cooling, a slightly longer time for days on the market (most single family homes stay on for 3-5 days instead of 2-3) it is still in the Seller’s corner. That doesn’t mean buyers should be discouraged! We are noticing there are less bidding wars, and gone are the days of 40 offers on a house. While competition is dwindling back to more even rates, the market is still going strong. I’d love to talk to you about it! Just send me a note and lets chat!

Things Happening in Utah this Month:

 

Kuwahara Thriller Park & Pumpkin Patch Open until Oct. 30th in Draper

 

Cornbellys at Thanksgiving Point ends Oct 30th

 

Oktoberfest in Snowbird ends Oct. 17th. Admission is free, parking is $10.

 

Gardner Villiage: WitchFest 2021 ends Oct. 30th. Weekends have food trucks and farmers markets!

 

Pumpkin Days at Wheeler Historic Farm until Oct 31st

 

Frightmares at Lagoon Park until Oct 31st

 

Other Things to Do:

-Drive the Alpine Loop

-See a magic show at Gardners Village

-Last month for most farmers markets!

-Boo Lights at the Hogle Zoo (only happening a few days of the month)

 

October Recipe:

 

Pumpkin Chili

This recipe can be done in a slow cooker as well. Just brown the meat and add everything to the slow cooker for 4-6 hours on low with a little extra chicken broth (less than half a cup) to keep things from sticking.

 

Ingredients:

1 can kidney beans, drained and rinsed

1 can chili beans, not drained

1 can diced tomatoes, not drained

1 can pumpkin puree

1 teaspoon of tomato paste

2 carrots diced

1 zucchini cubed

1 onion diced

1 green bell pepper diced

1 pound spicy italian sausage or ground chuck

1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon

2 teaspoons of cumin

1 ½ teaspoon of chili powder

2 cups of chicken broth

Salt & pepper to taste

 

In a dutch oven, heat oil over medium until warm. Add in your meat of choice. Brown the meat and break up into bits. Put aside.

Next add in your carrots, onion, zucchini, and bell pepper. Cook until soften. Add in your tomato paste for 1-2 minutes until heated up. Add in your spices. Stir until fragrant.

Next add in your can of tomatoes, and beans. Stir. Add in your pumpkin puree. Stir. Lastly add in your chicken broth.

Heat until bubbling, then reduce heat to low for 30 minutes. Cook until flavors have meld, stirring every 10 minutes.

 

If looking for a more classic chili, omit the pumpkin puree and add in black beans with extra chicken broth.

 

Enjoy! As always, reach out to me if you have questions in regards to winterizing, what to go do in October, or if you’re ready to buy or sell!