Take a look at our October newsletter!
OCTOBER 2024
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HONORING THOSE WHO NOURISH OUR SOULS FOOD IS LOVE
“My wife has the skills of a gourmet chef and the heart of an angel.”
When it came time to think about my message for this newsletter, I immediately felt hungry and began counting the hours to dinnertime. You see, October is National Cookbook Month, and I’m blessed to share my life with one of the most loving and giving — and amazingly talented — cooks I’ve ever known. My wife has the skills of a gourmet chef and the heart of an angel. It blows my mind to think of all the delicious dishes she’s prepared for our family over the years. From homemade ice cream (!) to chicken, her vast culinary creations nourish and inspire us. It would take me a lifetime to catch up to the quality she crafts in the kitchen. After 16 years of marriage, I’m still promising her that I’ll be her apprentice someday and learn enough to cook a nice dinner at least once a month! (That said, I am pretty good with steak, burgers, and hot dogs.) For me, what makes our family mealtimes so meaningful is that my wife puts love into every dish. She wants to bring joy to our times together and make us happy with every bite we take. Besides filling our plates with unforgettable tastes, she brings us inside the festivities by asking us for ideas on what to make. When one of us celebrates a birthday, she’ll pour her heart into whatever special delicacy they request. I praise her for everything she does to provide for us — at the dinner table and in every moment of our lives. Although I cherish every meal my wife prepares for us, the chicken pot pie recipe she received from a friend at church is my current favorite. With homemade ingredients and a golden-brown crust, it’s the perfect meal for family get-togethers or cool-weather nights. Not surprisingly, it’s become a staple in our household — and what I asked for on my most recent birthday.
Our home’s resident chef enjoys prepping meals as much as we love savoring them. She’ll often put on music and bake or cook while I tend to the kids, giving her much-needed space to decompress from the day’s demands and enjoy an activity that gives her peace. Everyone
needs a time of day to relax and do something that pleases them. What a blessing it is that my wife’s way of finding comfort and fulfillment helps the people she loves experience those feelings, too. The way we treat ourselves is the key to our success. When life gets challenging, it can be hard to eat well and focus on our overall health as much as we should. It’s a tremendous gift when we have people who nourish, love, and support us on our journeys, and it’s an even greater joy when we can do these things for others. As the holiday season approaches, take a moment to express
your gratitude to that amazing cook or baker in your life who keeps your belly fed and your face beaming. If your holiday plans include gathering with family and friends, may you all share the fellowship, love, and lasting memories of a great meal!
Robert Burns
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WE MAKE YOUR OUTDOOR AREAS BEAUTIFUL
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Hi! I hope you’re having a nice day! Me? I’m jumpin’ around as usual. (It’s in my name, after all!) I’m always full of energy, and I don’t like standing still for too long. When I’m not bouncing through the house, I love playing in new places. Let me tell you about some of my adventures. When my family went to the beach this summer, I got to swim around in the water like a fish! When we went to a sporting goods store, I hopped on one of the bikes and made the wheels spin with my feet. Being at home is a lot of fun, too, because I can do a lot of jumping jacks and sit-ups in the family room. Whenever I need help thinking of new ways to keep moving, I ask my mommy or daddy to give me ideas. My daddy calls me “a little exercise machine.” Every room I go into becomes my own gym. I like exercising because it makes my body feel good. Doing it also makes me smile! When I look at grown-ups, a lot of them look grumpy — and they’re always on their phones, standing in line, or driving somewhere. That doesn’t look like much fun to me! Is playtime only for kids? Nah! Everybody should When Evening Temperatures Drop Below 70, It’s Your Cue to Gather Round the Firepit and Unwind! Jumpin’ Juliet’s Fitness Fixes for Grumpy Grown-Ups CHICKS DIG IT
Having a beautiful firepit in your yard is a trademark in many luxury homes, especially during the cooler months in Florida. An ideal firepit is compatible with your lifestyle, with whomever you share it and whatever you want your landscape to look like. Creating a dazzling fire on a fall or winter night can complete any mood, whether you’re eager to make s’mores-filled memories with your kids or about to pop open a bottle of wine with your partner. (You can even do both simultaneously, although you’ll have to tell us your recommended wine pairing!)
If you’re interested in a firepit for your home, here are just a couple of aesthetic styles we can install for you.
Classic Brick Firepit When it comes to designing a custom, classic brick firepit for you, the options are endless. We can build it in a circle, square, or any shape you like! You can’t really go wrong with this impressive build. Not only are brick firepits inviting to light and sit beside, but they can also be designed as a statement feature in nearly any yard. Bricks are available in many colors to complement your landscape.
jump and bounce around when they feel sad or tired. If their legs won’t let them do that, maybe they can use their arms to lift weights or even fly a kite. The trick is to have fun!
Take it from me: Everything gets better when you take a break to play. It’ll help you feel super-strong during
the day and nice and sleepy at bedtime. When you get mad or feel extra tired, think about all the neat things you can do. You don’t have to do them all day — that’ll tucker you out fast — but a few minutes here and there will help you go from grumpy to great.
Till next time, keep jumpin’!
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OUR CLIENTS SAY IT BEST!
Stone-Lined In-Ground Firepit The most rustic type of all, stone-lined in-ground pits work beautifully in backyards where you want a more natural presence in the scenery. It’s a humble but lovely firepit for every
Robert at BLG Environmental planned, coordinated, and executed a large outdoor job, which included new fencing, lighting, irrigation, pergolas,
occasion, especially if you crave a campsite escape right at home. This is perfect for homeowners who want cooking and camping experiences right in their backyards.
outdoor cabinetry, sod, and new plants. He is patient and professional, and can do a big landscaping job from ‘soup to nuts.’ Robert helped us to transform our backyard from dingy and depressing to fantastic! We look forward to working with BLG Environmental for future landscaping needs.” –Kim S.
You might also consider a cast iron, stainless steel, and/or prebuilt firepit ready to be
incorporated into your surroundings. Those are great, too! At BLG Environmental, we’re happy to work with you
to ensure you have the perfect space for your firepit. Just let us know your outdoor aspirations and dreams, and we’ll make them a reality! Contact us today to get started!
Chicken Pot Pie
Robert Burns
INGREDIENTS
HAVE YOU HEARD THE GOOD NEWS? “And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.” GALATIANS 6:9
• • • • • • •
2 tbsp oil
• • • • • • • •
1/2 cup flour
1 large onion
3/4 tsp dried thyme 2 cups chicken broth
2 stalks of celery
3-4 small potatoes, diced
1 1/2 cups milk
1 cup sliced carrots 1 cup frozen peas
1/4 cup dry sherry
4–6 cups chicken, cooked 2 pie crusts, pre-made Salt and pepper, to taste
1/3 cup butter
DIRECTIONS
1. Preheat oven to 400 F. 2. In a medium saucepan, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add onion and celery and sauté until just tender. Set aside. 3. Add potatoes and carrots to a large saucepan and cover with water. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer, cover, and cook until crisp- tender. With 5 minutes remaining, add peas. Drain and set aside. 4. In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and thyme and cook until golden, about 1 minute. Whisk in milk and chicken broth and simmer until sauce thickens. Turn off the heat, add sherry, and season to taste with salt and pepper. 5. Stir together vegetables, chicken, and sauce. 6. Divide mixture between two 9-inch deep dish pie plates. Top each pot pie with a pie crust and flute edges. 7. Set pot pies on a rimmed baking sheet and bake until dough is golden brown and filling is bubbly, 30–35 minutes. Optional: Let second pot pie cool completely, then wrap in freezer wrap and place in freezer. To reheat, remove plastic wrap, place on a baking sheet, and bake at 400 F for about 1 hour.
“You shall eat the fruit of the labor of your hands; you shall be blessed, and it shall be
well with you.” PSALM 128:2
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” JOSHUA 1:9
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WE MAKE YOUR OUTDOOR AREAS BEAUTIFUL
BLGENVIRONMENTAL.COM
BLGENVIRONMENTAL.COM 407.702.7905
PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
P.O. BOX 521090 ● LONGWOOD, FL 32752
Schedule a Free Design Consultation with Robert Burns
WE MAKE YOUR OUTDOOR AREAS BEAUTIFUL
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A Taste of Togetherness
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Transform Chilly Evenings With a Custom Firepit! Jumpin’ Juliet: Workout Edition
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The Good News Hear From Our Clients Chicken Pot Pie
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Is Your Neighborhood Affecting Your Health?
HIDDEN HEALTH RISKS IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD HOW YOUR ENVIRONMENT SHAPES YOUR WELL-BEING
Have you ever wondered if your neighborhood might be impacting your health? According to a recent study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association, where you live can significantly influence your risk of developing heart disease and stroke. Let’s examine how your surroundings might play a more significant role in your well-being than you think! Nature’s Medicine — Green Spaces Imagine waking up and taking a stroll through a lush park. Sounds nice, right? Well, it turns out that having green spaces nearby is more than just pleasant — it’s good for your health! Dr. Sarju Ganatra from Beth Israel Lahey Hospital in Massachusetts shared with AARP that exposure to green spaces is linked to lower stress levels, better moods, and improved overall well-being. Parks also promote social interaction and community bonding, which are great for your emotional health. The Dangers of ‘Food Deserts’ Now, let’s talk about food. If your neighborhood has limited access to fresh produce and healthy food options, you might be living in what’s known as a
food desert. Research shows that people in food deserts are at a higher risk of obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. Our environment influences our health, including the availability of nutritious food. So, having a farmers market or a store with fresh produce nearby can make a huge difference. Steppin’ Up and Out Well-constructed and maintained sidewalks encourage walking, which is essential for maintaining heart health and overall fitness. A safe and walkable neighborhood can significantly impact your daily exercise routine. If your sidewalks are in bad shape, staying active and getting your steps in is harder, so reach out to local leaders or groups to advocate for their repair. Next time you step outside, take a moment to consider your surroundings. Does your neighborhood have plenty of green spaces, easy access to fresh food, and good walkability? These factors might seem small, but they significantly affect your health. Your neighborhood is more than just where you live — it’s vital to your overall well-being.
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