❄️⛄Don’t Get Left in the Cold: Winter Prep Made Simple⛄❄️

Name: Shield Insurance Agency
Address: 3214 Chicago Dr, Hudsonville, MI, 49426
Telephone: 616-896-4600

Posted on October 7, 2025October 7, 2025 by Marketing

When the weather starts to turn cold, a little preparation can make a big difference. Snow can be beautiful, but it can also bring a lot of extra work and potential problems if your home isn’t ready for it. Taking some time in the fall to get things in order can help keep you warm, safe, and stress-free all winter long.

Winter Prep Made Simple:

Check Your Heat

Before the first snow hits, make sure your heating system is working properly. Turn it on early in the season to test it out, and replace any filters if needed. If you use a furnace, have it serviced so it runs efficiently. For homes with fireplaces or wood stoves, clean the chimney and make sure everything is venting safely. Nothing’s worse than realizing your heat doesn’t work on the first freezing night.

Stop the Drafts

Cold air loves to sneak in around windows and doors. Walk around your house on a windy day and feel for drafts. Use caulk or weatherstripping to seal gaps, and close curtains or blinds at night to help keep the heat in. These small fixes can make your home much cozier and even help lower your heating bill.

Protect Your Pipes

Frozen pipes are one of the most common winter headaches. Wrap any exposed pipes with insulation, especially in basements, crawl spaces, or garages. When it’s extremely cold, let a small trickle of water run from faucets to help prevent freezing. Don’t forget to disconnect outdoor hoses and shut off outside water lines before temperatures drop too low.

Clear and Inspect the Roof and Gutters

Before snow piles up, take a look at your roof. Replace any missing or damaged shingles and clear leaves and debris out of your gutters. Clogged gutters can cause ice dams, which lead to leaks and water damage inside. If you can safely do it, check that downspouts are directing water away from your foundation.

Get the Outside Ready

Put away or cover outdoor furniture, store garden hoses, and move any decorations or tools that could get buried in snow. Have snow shovels, salt, or sand on hand before the first storm hits. If you own a snowblower, test it and make sure it has fuel and runs properly.

Stock Up on Winter Essentials

Sometimes snowstorms can make it hard to get out for a few days, so it’s smart to be prepared. Keep extra water, non-perishable food, flashlights, batteries, blankets, and any needed medications on hand. If you have pets, make sure you have food and supplies for them too. It’s also good to have a phone charger or power bank in case of outages.

Check Insulation and Ventilation

A well-insulated home keeps the warmth in and the cold out. Take a quick look in your attic and basement to see if the insulation looks thin or uneven. Proper ventilation in your attic also helps prevent moisture problems and ice buildup. Adding insulation or sealing air leaks now can make your home much more comfortable later.

Prep Your Driveway and Car

Winter doesn’t just affect your home — your car needs attention too. Check your tires, antifreeze, and windshield wipers. Keep an emergency kit in your car with a blanket, flashlight, and small shovel. For your driveway, line up snow removal services early or make sure your equipment is ready to go.

Think About Pets and Plants

Cold weather can be rough on pets and plants. Bring outdoor plants inside or cover them to protect from frost. Make sure pets have warm shelter, and if they go outside, use pet-safe ice melt so it doesn’t hurt their paws.

Stay Ahead of the Weather

Keep an eye on the forecast, especially when big snowstorms are expected. Having a plan ahead of time — like knowing where your snow gear and emergency items are — makes winter much easier to handle. A little prep now saves you a lot of trouble later.

In the End

Getting your home ready for snow doesn’t have to be complicated. A few simple steps — checking your heat, sealing drafts, protecting pipes, and stocking up on supplies — can make winter a lot more comfortable. Once everything’s set, you can relax, watch the snow fall, and actually enjoy the season knowing your home is ready for it.

As an independent insurance agency

We do our best to help you find the best coverage for the best value on all your insurance policies from your home to your business insurance, and more. We sell from over 40 of the most trusted carriers available. From AAA to Wolverine Mutual, Shield will work to find exactly what you need within your budget.

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Call or Text : 616-896-4600
Fax : 616-896-4601
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The Art of Living a Long and Healthy Life.

Posted on September 6, 2025September 6, 2025 by Marketing

Living a long, healthy life is a goal many of us share, and for good reason. A life free from chronic illness and full of vitality allows us to pursue our passions, spend quality time with loved ones, and contribute meaningfully to the world around us. While genetics play a role, a significant portion of our health and longevity is within our control through lifestyle choices. However, even with the most diligent efforts, unexpected health challenges can arise, making health insurance not just beneficial, but truly essential.

Cultivating a Long and Healthy Life

Achieving longevity and maintaining good health is a multifaceted endeavor that involves a combination of mindful habits:

1. Balanced Nutrition

What we eat directly impacts our physical and mental well-being. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins provides the necessary nutrients to fuel our bodies, boost our immune system, and reduce the risk of chronic diseases. Limiting processed foods, excessive sugar, and unhealthy fats is equally important.

2. Regular Physical Activity

Movement is medicine. Engaging in regular physical activity, whether it’s brisk walking, jogging, swimming, or strength training, strengthens our cardiovascular system, maintains a healthy weight, improves mood, and enhances overall physical function. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week.

3. Adequate Sleep

Sleep is not a luxury; it’s a fundamental biological need. During sleep, our bodies repair themselves, consolidate memories, and regulate hormones. Chronic sleep deprivation can lead to a host of health problems, including weakened immunity, increased risk of heart disease, and impaired cognitive function. Strive for 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night.

4. Stress Management

In today’s fast-paced world, stress is often unavoidable. However, chronic stress can have detrimental effects on our physical and mental health. Incorporating stress-reducing techniques such as meditation, yoga, deep breathing exercises, or spending time in nature can significantly improve overall well-being.

5. Strong Social Connections

Humans are social creatures, and strong social bonds are linked to improved health outcomes and increased longevity. Nurturing relationships with family and friends provides emotional support, reduces feelings of loneliness, and promotes a sense of belonging.

The Indispensable Role of Health Insurance

Even with the most meticulous attention to a healthy lifestyle, unforeseen health issues can arise. Accidents happen, illnesses strike, and chronic conditions may develop. This is where health insurance becomes an indispensable safety net.

Benefit of Health Insurance	Description
Financial Protection	Without health insurance, a single medical emergency, such as a major surgery or a prolonged illness, can lead to devastating financial debt. Health insurance protects you from exorbitant medical bills.
Access to Quality Care	Health insurance ensures you have access to a wide network of doctors, specialists, hospitals, and clinics, allowing you to receive timely and appropriate medical care when you need it most.
Preventive Care Coverage	Many health insurance plans cover preventive services like annual check-ups, vaccinations, and screenings. These services are crucial for detecting potential health issues early, often before they become serious.
Peace of Mind	Knowing you are covered in case of a medical emergency provides immense peace of mind, allowing you to focus on your recovery rather than worrying about the financial implications.
Regular Health Monitoring	With insurance, you’re more likely to engage in regular health check-ups and follow-ups, ensuring that any health concerns are addressed promptly and consistently.

While investing in your health through lifestyle choices is paramount, recognizing the vital role of health insurance is equally crucial for truly living a long and healthy life with confidence and security. It’s an investment in your future, protecting you and your loved ones from the unexpected and ensuring that when health challenges arise, you have the support and resources needed to overcome them.

For more information on health insurance options, you can consult with a financial advisor or visit reputable health insurance marketplaces. Staying informed is the first step towards securing your health and well-being.

For more information on health insurance options
3214 Chicago DrHudsonville, MI 49426 Monday – Friday8:00 AM – 5:00 PM	Call or Text : 616-896-4600
	Fax : 616-896-4601
	Email : ContactUs@shieldagency.com

Experience the magic of Christmas at the Toys for Tots 2023 Fun Center!🧑‍🎄🎄

Posted on December 5, 2023November 21, 2023 by Shield Insurance Agency

Toys For Tots | Toys for Tots | Shield Insurance Agency Blog

NOTE: TOY DISTRIBUTION DATES FOR KENT COUNTY: DECEMBER 16, 2023

Fun activities for kids “from 1 to 92” and beyond!

Our Marines and volunteers are determined to spread some fun and joy throughout the holiday season.

These fun activities are designed to bring you joy and much-deserved cheer!

Please help yourself to any of these fun Christmas holiday activities. And feel free to share them with friends and family!

FOR MORE FUN be sure to follow us on Facebook or Instagram.

And if you’re able to donate to our ‘Tis the season Toy Drive, please do so. Thank you!

GIVE TO OUR TOY DRIVE NOW >>

U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program

Toys for Tots MISSION:

The mission of the U. S. Marine Corps Reserve Program is to collect new, unwrapped toys during October, November and December each year, and distribute those toys as Christmas gifts to less fortunate children in the community in which the campaign is conducted.

Toys for Tots GOAL:

The primary goal of Toys for Tots is to deliver, through a new toy at Christmas, a message of hope to less fortunate youngsters that will assist them in becoming responsible, productive, patriotic citizens.

OBJECTIVES:

The objectives of Toys for Tots are to help less fortunate children throughout the United States experience the joy of Christmas; to play an active role in the development of one of our nation’s most valuable resources – our children; to unite all members of local communities in a common cause for three months each year during the annual toy collection and distribution campaign; and to contribute to better communities in the future.

ACTIVITIES:

The principal Toys for Tots activity which takes place each year is the collection and distribution of toys in the communities in which a Marine Corps Reserve Unit is located. In communities without a Reserve Unit, the campaign can be conducted by a Marine Corps League Detachment or group of men and women, generally veteran Marines, authorized by Marine Toys for Tots Foundation to conduct a local Toys for Tots campaign. Local Toys for Tots Campaign Coordinators conduct an array of activities throughout the year, which include golf tournaments, foot races, bicycle races and other voluntary events designed to increase interest in Toys for Tots, and concurrently generate toys and monetary donations.

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7 Fun things to do after Thanksgiving

Posted on November 28, 2023November 20, 2023 by Shield Insurance Agency

San Diego Family Magazine | Thanksgiving | More Blogs from Shield

After Thanksgiving dinner, make memories with friends and family by enjoying long-time traditions or creating new ones. Here are some ideas:

1. Host a post-Thanksgiving game night.

Ask guests to bring their favorite board game. Be sure to have games on hand that are appropriate for all the kids who will be at your house, including teenagers and preschoolers. After dinner is cleaned up, pull out the games and help everyone find one to play. You can also play a group game, such as Balderdash, Pictionary or Catch Phrase. Katie Roger’s family always played games together after dinner and says, “Some of my favorite memories growing up are from these times.” Need more ideas? Find a list of fun family board games here.

2. Head outdoors. Divide your guests into teams and have fun playing a friendly game of touch football. Be sure to clearly communicate the rules. Or, play Hide and Seek, Kick-the-Can or Capture the Flag with a big group.

If you’re feeling adventurous, head to a nearby canyon, beach or wilderness area and explore local hiking trails together. Find a list of San Diego’s favorite hiking trails here. Take a family walk or bike ride in your neighborhood. Remember to have guests bring walking shoes or bicycles when you invite them to dinner.

3. Create a family scrapbook. Ask each family member to bring a few favorite family photos to Thanksgiving dinner. Provide colored cardstock, patterned paper, glue sticks, stickers, pens and scissors. Have each person create a scrapbook page using the pictures and write their memories on the page. When everyone is finished, add the pages to an album. Be sure to include the date and artist on each scrapbook page. Next year, create more scrapbook pages and add to the album each year.

4. Write thankful letters. Have each guest think of one person for whom they are especially thankful this year. Hand out pens and paper and encourage your guests to write the person a letter telling them why they are special. Include preschoolers in this activity by having them dictate the letter to an adult or an older child. When everyone is done, provide envelopes and stamps and drop the letters into a mailbox.

5. Decorate for the holidays. Consider decorating for the holidays on Thanksgiving evening to include your guests in the festivities. Some families pick out a Christmas tree together on Thanksgiving to decorate later in the weekend.

Another idea is to make holiday decorations together after dinner. Some simple ideas include paper chains, salt dough ornaments and bead ornaments. When coming up with a project, be sure to include young children who might want to participate and provide alternate crafts if you have guests who celebrate Hanukkah or other holidays. Find a bunch of fun holiday crafts here.

6. Volunteer together. Consider heading to a soup kitchen, shelter or local 5K to help serve meals or pass out water. Find ideas on where to volunteer in San Diego in “Put Gratitude into Action.”

“I want my kids to see the blessing they have while at the same time serving others who are not as fortunate,” says Mary Ford.

Click here for the full story…

Easy Science Fair Projects

Posted on February 15, 2023February 10, 2023 by Shield Insurance Agency

LittleBinsForLittleHands.com | By Sarah McClellan | January 23, 2023 | Science Fair | Shield Insurance

ELEMENTARY SCIENCE FAIR PROJECT IDEAS

When it comes to science fair projects, it can be difficult to help your kids find balance. Too often, kids want to take on something that takes TOO much time and resources! While other kids may go for projects that have been done time and time again, and provide little to no challenge for them. Ta, da… Introducing our list of easy science fair projects with simple tips to help make your kid’s science fair project a big success this year!

HOW TO CHOOSE A SCIENCE FAIR PROJECT

We know that you are looking for a fast and easy science fair project that is also cool! Below you will find simple tips for how to choose the best science fair project, as well as some unique and super easy science fair project ideas.

These science fair projects really don’t require a ton of supplies. Most can be completed with items you can find around the house. Instead, you will find interesting and fun ideas that are suitable for kindergarten, to elementary, and older.

BONUS RESOURCES

Make sure to read up on the engineering design process, scientific method for kids and the best science and engineering practices explained. These processes of asking questions, collecting data, communicating results etc. will be invaluable as a framework for a science fair project.

START WITH A QUESTION

Science fair projects are at their core problem-based learning. You start with a great question that attempts to solve a problem. The best questions can’t be answered just by searching for answers online but rather with experiments and results.

Effective questions include questions asking about causes and effects. For example, “What effect does changing how often I water have on plant growth?”

Questions that focus on causes and effects make for realistic and achievable science fair projects and lead to tangible and easy-to-interpret results.

EXAMPLES OF QUESTION-BASED SCIENCE FAIR PROJECTS

WHY DOES A VOLCANO ERUPT?

The homemade volcano science fair project is a classic baking soda and vinegar chemistry demonstration that simulates an erupting volcano. While a real volcano doesn’t erupt in this manner, the chemical reaction makes an appealing demonstration that can further be explained in the results and conclusion phase. This is both a question and research-based project!

WHAT MILK IS BEST FOR THE MAGIC MILK EXPERIMENT?

Turn this magic milk activity into an easy science fair project by investigating what happens when you change the type of milk used. Explore other varieties of milk including reduced-fat milk, heavy cream, and even non-dairy milk!

HOW DOES WATER AFFECT SEED GERMINATION?

Turn this seed germination jar into an easy science fair project by exploring what happens to seed growth when you change the amount of water used. Set up several seed germination jars to observe and record growth, depending on how much water you add to each jar.

Read on for more great Science Fair ideas

Here’s How People Celebrate Christmas All Over the World

Posted on December 23, 2022December 22, 2022 by Shield Insurance Agency

Turns out, Santa Claus doesn’t visit the entire world for Christmas.

GoodHousekeeping.com | BY LIZZ SCHUMER | Dec 11, 2020 | Christmas | Shield Insurance

Every culture that celebrates Christmas also has its own festive ways to make the holiday special. Some of those involve dishes or treats that only appear once a year. Others give gifts that carry a particular meaning, and still, others decorate in a particular way, and hold festivals, parades or parties to ring in the season. Growing up, I know my family’s holiday season just wouldn’t have been the same if we didn’t hang the Christmas pickle on the tree, if dad didn’t read A Visit From St. Nicholas to my brother and I before we went to sleep on Christmas eve — or didn’t enjoy the Feast of Seven Fishes. In some countries, people can say the same about a visit from the Krampus, eating KFC, or pulling a Christmas cracker.

This year, the holiday might look different for a lot of us, but that doesn’t mean we can’t keep many of our most treasured traditions. Maybe you’ll even want to try out some of the most beloved Christmas traditions from around the world in your own home. You might just find a new cherished activity that your children and grandchildren (and their grandchildren!) won’t be able to do without.

1Japan: KFC for Christmas Dinner

In Japan, celebrating Christmas is still relatively new. It’s only been widely recognized for the past couple of decades and is typically seen as a time to spread joy and cheer, or even a romantic couple’s day, instead of a religious holiday. Many order KFC for Christmas dinner, or make a reservation at a restaurant instead of cooking a big feast.

2 Poland: People Share a Pre-Dinner Christmas Wafer

In Poland and many Polish communities worldwide, Christmas Eve dinner or (Wigilia) begins with sharing the Oplatek. The paper-thin square wafer is made of flour and water and has an image of the Nativity on it. Everyone at the table breaks off a piece and shares a holiday greeting before passing it along. Sometimes, even pets get in on the fun.

3 Slovakia: Carp for Dinner

All over Central Europe, people enjoy carp for Christmas Eve Dinner, according to NPR. But rather than picking it up from the supermarket, traditionalists let the fish live in the bathtub for a couple of days before preparing and eating it. Legend has it, the scales bring luck and good fortune for the coming year.

Click for the full story…

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38 Best Christmas Ideas for a Festive Bash

Posted on December 22, 2022December 22, 2022 by Shield Insurance Agency

Guaranteed to keep your Christmas party rockin’ around the tree all night

CountryLiving.com | BY JULIA LUDLAM | UPDATED: DEC 1, 2022 | Shield Home Insurance

Are you planning on having a merry little Christmas with your loved ones? Invite friends and family over to celebrate the holiday season with these festive Christmas party ideas! We’ve rounded up some of our best ideas to make prepping for parties just as fun as throwing them. So, settle in for a holiday decoration derby or Christmas movie marathon. Just don’t forget your favorite winter drink recipe and a slice of fruitcake.

For those with a crafty holiday spirit, you’ll love our crafter-noon parties. From making Christmas wreaths to hosting a fun (and helpful) gift-wrapping party, we have enough ideas to last you the entire season—and then some! Relax and make ornaments with your friends (with our favorite DIY Christmas ornament ideas and tutorials to get you started, no less) or kick it old school with a salt dough crafting extravaganza. You can even throw a cookie swap party where guests are invited to bring their favorites and share Christmas cookie recipes.

If your friends aren’t the crafty type, which we can totally understand in the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, we’ve got ideas for you too. Throw a fun holiday soiree inspired by your favorite Christmas movie, go for a classic holiday dinner party, or get competitive with a Christmas gift exchange. Start the evening by serving your guests some delicious Country Living-approved Christmas appetizers. You can even throw together a hot chocolate bar if you’ve got a slow cooker to keep things warm and toasty. If you’re in the mood for something savory, fondue can feed a crowd and keep everyone entertained all evening long. All your friends will need to do is bring their Christmas cheer!

1 Ice-Skating Christmas Party

Gather your friends for some winter revelry. Embrace the cold weather and serve up some Hot Buttered Rum with Vanilla Ice Cream Balls and your favorite Christmas cookies for an ice-skating party. No snow? No problem. Throw on a scarf and make it a porch party.

2 Movie Marathon Christmas Party

Build a fire, curl up with your family and friends, and get in the spirit of Christmas with your favorite holiday classics, like The Polar Express, Home Alone, and Miracle on 34th Street. Serve fresh popcorn with optional popcorn seasonings like parmesan black pepper, cinnamon sugar, or everything bagel for a holiday treat. Don’t forget the toasted marshmallow hot cocoa and the theatre candy brownies. To make things extra fun, ask guests to play Binge-Watch Bingo using buttons or popcorn to mark the squares.

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3 Candy Cane Crafting Party

Invite friends over to craft fresh holiday decor out of peppermint sticks and candy canes. The season’s most ubiquitous treat is more versatile than you think! Besides candy canes, peppermint sticks and peppermints, hot glue guns, red cotton string, glass pillar candle holders, and festive ribbons are just a few must-haves.

4 Holiday Snack Exchange

Like a cookie exchange, invite your pals to come over with their favorite savory holiday snack like these sweet and spicy coated nuts. Turn on your favorite holiday playlist, sip on some hot cocoa, and send everyone home with a cute container of treats like these hexagon jars adorned with a cinnamon stick and striped ribbon.

Click here to read the full story…

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When Is it Time to Stop (or Start) Hosting the Holidays?

Posted on December 19, 2022December 14, 2022 by Shield Insurance Agency

Passing the baton and changing traditions can be difficult for families

AARP | By Robin L. Flanigan | December 06, 2022| Hosting the Holidays | Home Insurance

Hosting the holidays can be a marathon sport. There’s planning the meals, buying the groceries, cleaning the house, cooking the food. It’s a lot of work, especially for older adults who have been at the holiday helm for two — sometimes three — generations.

When is it time to call it quits and let the younger generation take over hosting the Holidays?

That’s a difficult question for all involved. It can be difficult to give up the role of host after so many years; on the other side, it can be hard to take over that role, especially after a lifetime of baking, decorating, game-playing and gift-giving traditions.

“It’s a very emotional topic,” says Andrew G. Celli Jr., a 57-year-old attorney in Manhattan.

The traditions at his mother’s house — the home where he grew up in Rochester, New York — have “a rhythm and a regularity that makes it incredibly special and specific to her and the way she does things.”

But their family is large. Celli and his two siblings each are married with multiple children, some of whom have significant others, which means gatherings draw nearly 20 people. It’s a lot of work for Dolores Celli, who lives alone and is approaching 90, to make her usual lasagna; prime rib, or chicken with lemon, garlic, and rosemary; pizzelles; and the apple pie recipe her grandmother always used in Italy.

“It means taking the house apart and putting extra tables out, but I enjoy every moment of it,” she says, adding that she also provides breakfast for guests in the mornings. “Fortunately, I’m healthy enough to do it. Every year is a blessing as far as I’m concerned, even though I’m sure one of these days one of the kids is going to say, ‘No more.’”

While Andrew Celli says neither he nor his siblings have put their foot down once and for all just yet, he will be hosting Christmas at his home this year.

His mother “is incredibly strong and somewhat stubborn, but at the end of the holiday weekend, she is pretty tired,” he says. “We want her to enjoy the traditions that we can re-create at my house, without her having to do all the work.”

The importance of hosting the holidays & rituals

Going to the same house, eating the same food, and interacting with the same people for decades brings a sense of comfort and belonging.

“Traditions help create meaning in our lives, and help find and establish family connections,” says William C. Torrey, the Raymond Sobel professor of psychiatry and interim chair of psychiatry at Dartmouth Health and Dartmouth’s Geisel School of Medicine in New Hampshire. “Any change in how you celebrate the holidays can easily feel disruptive, but it also creates an opportunity for more conversation and expression of appreciation.”

That’s not so easy for Evey Meyer, 76, to believe. “I will be at the edge of my grave when I stop hosting,” says the former biology professor from St. Louis.

Rather than a chore, Meyer views hosting Hanukkah (“It wouldn’t be Hanukkah if I didn’t make potato pancakes”) as an act of survivorship, “something the Jewish holidays are partly about.” She points out that her generation may resist relinquishing the holiday reins in part because subsequent generations are less likely to engage in religious rituals — a worldwide phenomenon confirmed by a Pew Research Center analysis in 2018.

Meyer says that providing meals is linked to her self-image: “I’ve always been the feeder. When people think of me, I hope they think of food.”

At some point, however, the duties can become too much. It may take an older person days to recover, and younger adult guests may start to feel guilty for remaining on the receiving end. When this happens, it’s time for an honest, and possibly tough, conversation.

Adjusting to new holiday approaches

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How to Tie a Wreath Bow in Five Different Styles

Posted on December 16, 2022December 14, 2022 by Shield Insurance Agency

Plus, the best ribbon to use for each wreath bow technique.

MarthaStewart.com | By Roxanna Coldiron | November 22, 2019 | Wreath Bow | Visit Shield Insurance

The holiday season means decorating the house with lights, ornaments, and garlands of winter evergreens. And while the Christmas tree may take center stage in your home, it’s the wreath that welcomes your guests at the front door. In most cases, this is the first thing that people see when they come calling at your door, and it’s a hint at the rest of the holiday décor that awaits them inside. “Wreaths are like small, round Christmas trees,” says Cynthia Sheen, owner and interior designer at Cinzia Interiors. “A lot of the bow styles that I do for Christmas trees can be done for wreaths as well.”

Some wreaths don’t seem complete until they are finished off with a large, lavish bow, which enhances the overall look of the wreath and can be complementary to the other décor in your home. A crisp ribbon will make the nicest bow; grosgrain, satin, taffeta, and velvet are ideal choices. You can tie different styles of bows on your wreath. We asked designers for their ideas on styling your own wreath bows.

Traditional Bow

Of course, a traditional bow on your Christmas wreath is a classic choice. Ideally, use a wide ribbon in one of these classic colors—red, green, gold, or white. Cut ribbon to the desired length. (A bow with extra-large loops or extra-long tails will require more length.) Form the ribbon into two equal loops with about 12 inches of ribbon between them. Cross the right loop over the left. Knot the loops by pushing the right loop behind the left, under, and through the hole. Pull the knot tight, adjusting loops and tails to the desired size. Lightly fold the ends and cut, creating a notch. Attach the finished bow to the wreath with a small piece of green florist’s wire.

Rosette Wreath Bow

Rosette bows are tufted with several loops, and therefore, have a lot of fullness to them. Sheen makes large rosette bows using 16 to 19 loops, but you can make fewer loops for a smaller wreath. Satin ribbon is perfect for this style because it keeps its shape and does not easily fall flat. To tie a rosette, fold a length of ribbon accordion-style into a stack, with as many loops as you like. Cinch the middle of the stack with wire, and twist to secure. Cover the wire with more ribbon if desired (just glue it in back), and fluff the loops.

Curly Wreath Bow

Kade Laws-Andrews, owner and interior designer at Kade Laws Interior Design, is partial to the curly bow. For a large bow, you will need 24 to 36 inches in length for the ribbon. “Wired ribbon is best,” Laws says. “Cinch the middle with a pipe cleaner.” Then, roll up the ribbon and unroll it to make spiral curls. This style of bow is ideally placed on the top or bottom of the wreath. A bow with shorter curls looks nice on the top of a wreath, while one with longer curls looks best from the bottom.

Layered Bow

For more bows click here…

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45 Halloween Party Games for Adults

Posted on October 30, 2022October 27, 2022 by Shield Insurance Agency

45 Halloween Party Games for Adults That’ll Make This Year’s Bash the Best One Yet

Good housekeeping | BY AMANDA GARRITY AND MONIQUE VALERIS | Updated: Oct 11, 2022 | Halloween Party

Get ready for a spooktacular time with these activities and entertainment ideas (including drinking games!) for any Halloween party.

From trick-or-treating and baking spooky delicious desserts to assembling creative costumes, if you’re like most people, Halloween is usually all about your kids. This year, switch things up by settling on an array of Halloween party games that are perfect for adults.

You and the 21+ folks in your circle can celebrate the spookiest day of the year with exciting twists on traditionals games. But if that’s not your style, take the liberty of arranging a pumpkin carving contest or wreath-making session to put your creativity on full display. And if all else fails, there’s nothing like a good Halloween-themed drinking game (just make sure there’s a designated driver).

Halloween Party

Whatever you decide, this roundup of Halloween party games for adults are full of humor and a dose of fright — just what you need to make this year’s event one to remember.

Click here for the full story and more great costume ideas!

LETTERS TO SANTA	FUN COLORING PAGES	MAZES AND MORE
Naughty or Nice 🙂 I’ve Been Very Good Dear Santa Fill in the Blanks Letter	Christmas Fireplace Santa Reading His Mail Down the Chimney A LOT of Presents Festive Snow Globe Up on a Housetop Snowman Ornament A Train Full of Toys Skiing Santa Claus Speedy Snowman Delivery	Help Santa Find His Bag Popular Puppy Dog Maze Christmas Word Search Snowman Maze Connect the Dots Stocking Fill the Stocking Maze Crazy Sledding Maze Tree Decorating Maze Popular Tricky Word Search

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