The Nostalgia of closed Floor Plans

Evolving lifestyles and closed floor plans

The post pandemic evolving lifestyles have prompted a re-evaluation of how we use our homes. 

Granny Chic

 

A 2024 report by Houzz says 73 percent of homeowners renovations included adding enclosed spaces to their layout. The open-plan layout is giving way to a return of walls. Maybe it's the memory of Grandma’s house, and its old-world charm with little rooms and defined dining rooms. A nostalgic, warm and welcoming space with vintage charm.

In 2025, according to the American Institute of Architects, there’s a 40 percent increase in demand for historical design. The classic six, a Living Room, Kitchen, 2 Bedrooms and a Bathrooms. Cozy is the new approach to modern living. 

Stop. Think. Check the Back Seat

Leaving a baby in a car seat is a real and serious danger

It is heartbreaking and a very real danger. On average, 38 children die each year in the U.S. from vehicular heatstroke. 

This tragic phenomenon is often unintentional and typically happens when someone forgets a child is in the back seat. It can result from a change in routine, such as a caregiver who doesn’t normally do daycare drop-off—as well as distraction, sleep deprivation, or stress.

There are ways to prevent this 

Thankfully, it’s preventable. Many newer vehicles now feature rear seat reminder systems, and some car seats come equipped with built-in alarms. 

Parents and caregivers can also use simple habits to prevent tragedy, like placing a phone, purse, wallet, or even a shoe in the back seat. That way, when you go to step out of the car and realize something’s missing, you’re prompted to check the back seat—and potentially save a life.

Boxed Carrot Cake

Boxed Carrot Cake on steroids 

Preheat oven to 350. Follow the instructions on the box, combine the eggs, water and vegetable oil, 

Take cake to the next level.by adding 1/2 can chopped pineapple, 1/2 cup chopped walnuts, 1/2 cup shredded carrots and 1 Tspn vanilla extract. 

Mix for 2 minutes, pour batter into greased bundt pan and bake for aprox 40 minutes.

Let it cool for 30 minutes. Pour melted cream cheese frosting over cake and sprinkle with sweetened coconut. 

Happy Birthday America

More American than Apple Pie

All American Coca Cola cake

A delicious collaboration between Coke and Cracker Barrel in the 1950’s in GA. Serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. 

Cake 

1 cup Coca-Cola, 1/2 cup vegetable oil, 1/2 cup salted butter, 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, 1 2/3 cups sugar, 2 cups all-purpose flour, 2 eggs, 1/2 cup buttermilk, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 2 teaspoons vanilla extract.

Preheat oven to 350. Butter 9x13 pan. 

Mix together granulated sugar and flour.

In a saucepan, add butter, Coca-Cola, vegetable oil, and unsweetened cocoa, stir and bring to a boil over med heat. 

Combine the butter mixture with the sugar/flour mixture. Beat on low-medium speed for one minute.

Add eggs to the butter and sugar/flour mixture, next add buttermilk, baking soda, and vanilla. Beat for a minute on medium. Bake for aprox. 30 minutes

frosting

1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, 1/2 cup butter, 1/4 cup Coca-Cola, 3 cups powdered sugar, 1 1/2 tspn vanilla extract.

Combine butter, cocoa powder, and Coca-Cola in saucepan over med heat. remove from heat and whisk in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Pour it over the cake and spread it evenly.

Served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.Enjoy! And Happy 4th of July.

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Source:sweet and savory meals 

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What’s new

See what’s new on your iPhone. Did you know you can remove the background of a photo. Touch and hold it to copy and paste it. 

Bake This

 

Happiness comes from within and a slice of this pound cake with an espresso.

Cream Cheese Pound Cake 

 8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1.5 cups butter, room temperature 

1 teaspoon lemon extract

3 cups all-purpose flour

1 Tbspn vanilla

1 teaspoon salt

3 cups sugar

6 eggs

Directions:  mix butter, cream cheese and sugar. Add eggs, one at a time. Add vanilla and lemon. Mix in  the flour, baking powder and salt. Pour into a greased  pan. 

Bake at 325° for 1.25 or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. 

Scary times

Nobody’s talking about it

The changes in the auto insurance that I’ve heard from agents across the industry in the last few months are unprecedented. Allstate announced last winter they were collecting 50% down for new policies, most people like to spread installments over 6 months, then Kia and  Hyundai’s $200 Million class action suit due to car theft frighten Progressive, Allstate, GEICO and State Farm causing some carriers to refuse to insure certain model years due to high theft rates.

Next came the underwriting guidelines changing for some companies, reducing eligibility. Drivers can only have 1 accident in 5 years and need a good credit score to qualify. 

Most carriers are filing with the state of NY asking to pass on premium increases of 20% to 40%  to the customer.

To say these are scary times is an understatement. In this new post covid world, with the mainstream of the autonomous car technology around the corner, it’s probably a matter of time before we’re all driving in them and maybe the insurance companies are preparing for the risk.

https://amp.cnn.com/cnn/2023/01/27/business/progressive-state-farm-hyundai-kia/index.html