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JANUARY 2024
‘I HAVE MADE FIRE’ Campfire Lessons From ‘Cast Away’
This summer, we started a new mini family “tradition.” On Wednesdays, we would start a fire on our patio at home. The kids liked it because they enjoy throwing logs into the firepit (under supervision) and roasting marshmallows. I liked it because I get to watch my kids “being kids” up close and personal … and because who doesn’t like watching a fire (or eating s’mores)? On a Wednesday in July, my son David, at the time age 10, was given permission to start the fire. It was a big responsibility, and he did great. After the s’mores, and after his younger brothers had gone to bed, David said something that triggered in my mind the movie “Cast Away” and specifically the “I have made fire scene.” He hadn’t seen the movie, so I laid out the scene and the point for him. If you’ve seen the movie, you probably remember Tom Hanks’ character is working on making a fire for days. They show his visible exhaustion. And his hands, so raw from rubbing the stick that he could hardly use them.
an adjustment. He rubs again. It starts to smoke. He blows on it a few times. It lights!
The excitement on his face is amazing. Then they cut to him on the beach at night dancing around a blazing bonfire. He pounds his chest and yells up to the sky, “Look at what I have created. I have made fire! I … have made fire.” It’s a great little micro story within the much bigger story of the movie, and it is a great example of resilience, resourcefulness, and adaptability.
Luke and two of his campfire makers
We have done it so often that it almost seems “old hat” when a new situation arises. But it is far from that. I am proud of the team, proud of what they do for our clients, and very happy to be their “leader.” Resourcefulness, adaptability, and resilience: These are three great qualities in a property manager, a landlord, or any of my kids.
Frankly, it is a story I started sharing with my property managers. It’s such a great fit.
The job of a property manager, or landlord, is not as simple as it seems. And it definitely isn’t easy. Unexpected things pop up on a regular basis on the job at all times of the day and the night, and you need to figure it out. Yes, preparation helps. But some things you can’t prepare for. And in those times, you need to dig down deep, work through it, and get it done. The team at RCW knows that, and they are kind of built for that. We don’t relish in the intense times, but we don’t shrink away from them. We gather information, figure things out, and move forward.
To trying to teach lessons around a campfire,
P.S. I also told David about Wilson, the volleyball that Tom Hanks’ character talked to in order to keep his sanity during his isolation. That one was harder to explain than “I have made fire!” Maybe he will agree to watch the movie with me. Right now, he’s only watched a clip on YouTube.
He fails over and over, but he keeps coming back to it and tries again.
Finally, you see him rubbing the stick very aggressively. It almost lights. He makes
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The Fridge Makeover You’ve Been Waiting For Get Organized in 3 Easy Steps!
Chase Away the Winter Chill Transform Your Space With Cozy Comfort!
A kitchen is only as organized as its refrigerator, so no matter how many air-tight and labeled containers line your pantry, it’s all for naught if your fridge looks like the inside of a middle school locker. We get it: A refrigerator is hard to keep organized. There are solids, liquids, and maybe stinky gases from long-forgotten leftovers. So, in a space where people are constantly taking, moving, and spilling, is organizing a refrigerator a hopeless endeavor? Of course not! By following these easy organization tips, anyone can take their refrigerator from chaotic to cool. No. 1: Put those bins in your fridge, too! There seems to be a disconnect between organizing the pantry and the fridge. While many people love to use clear bins to keep their cabinets and pantries tidy, they never cross the threshold to the refrigerator. Plastic organization bins can serve the same purpose in a refrigerator as everywhere else! And just like you might do for pantry bins, we advise labeling fridge bins with what’s inside them so you won’t have to constantly pull them out. No. 2: Keep the herbs out of it. While produce drawers are great in theory, bunches of parsley, cilantro, basil, and the like often end up yellow and wilted — sometimes after just one use! To free up space in your fridge and get more use out of your herbs, treat them like flowers. Don’t stick them in the refrigerator; instead, put the ends in a large glass of water so they stay fresh, which can prevent you from throwing out rotting herbs every few weeks. No. 3: Take it off (the outer packaging, that is)! Many of the refrigerated products we buy come in big, bulky packages that, when removed, reveal the item is individually wrapped, too! Save yourself space by removing any outer packaging before placing items in the fridge. Then, once you have your bins placed, herbs watered, and outer packages removed, we recommend using the “zone, label, stack” method. Put similar items in specific “zones,” label them, then stack them with the largest items on the bottom!
Starting now and into the next few months, the one thing most places have in common is a chilly outside temperature. In fact, in January 2023, the average temperature in the U.S. was 35 degrees F! So, it’s no wonder most people stay inside where it’s toasty, and part of the enjoyment in doing so is that cozy feeling a warm home in a cold winter can bring us. But what if, despite your heater running, your home doesn’t feel all that cozy? Feeling cozy can involve blankets, hot chocolate, or crackling fires, but everyone’s preferences differ. Here are a few things anyone can do to up the cozy factor in their space this winter. No. 1: You have a cold home if you have a cold floor. By this, we mean if you don’t have rugs on your hard floors, you’re losing out on some major cozy points. Rugs make you feel warmer and more comfortable when your feet land on something other than ice-cold tile and make rooms appear fuller! No. 2: Nature brings warmth. During those colder months, it’s likely many plants aren’t thriving outside. Everything holds that bare-bones appearance, which leaves cold, empty space. Our brains associate organic materials, like wood, foliage, fruits, and vegetables, with warm weather because that’s when they grow! So, when the outside lacks a natural glow, bring the warmth inside by adding something organic to every room. No. 3: Fluff it up! And finally, there is no feeling cozier than a soft blanket or our pet’s fluffy fur against our skin. We want to feel enveloped by these fluffy things, so a great way to make your space cozier is to switch out those thin throws or beaded or smooth pillows, and opt for softer textures. Choose towels and blankets you feel like you can sink into!
By applying these three pillars of cozy living, you can create an indoor space you’ll never want to leave this winter.
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FIRE UP YOUR BACKYARD WITH THESE DIY FIREPIT IDEAS
Winter is in full swing, and there’s no better way to enjoy your outdoor space than with a warm, inviting firepit. Whether you’re looking for a small project to start the weekend or want to transform your backyard into the ultimate relaxation hub, DIY firepit ideas have got you covered. Here are six creative, simple, and affordable DIY firepit ideas you can tackle in a weekend. The Classic Stone Firepit The classic stone firepit is always in style. You can make one with stones from your yard or pick up a few at a local landscaping store. The key is
to dig a hole about 12 inches deep and line it with gravel. Then, arrange the stones in a circle around the hole. Make sure you leave an opening for airflow. Upcycled Washing Machine Drum For those who like to repurpose items, consider using an old washing machine drum as the base of your new firepit. These perforated drums allow for excellent airflow and a unique fire display. Attach legs to the drum, paint it, and your new firepit is ready for action. The Square Firepit You can also opt for a square firepit if your space allows. This idea gives you more room for seating and adds a modern twist to the traditional firepit design. Lay down a gravel bed, then arrange cinderblocks in a square shape. Fill the center with fire-safe rocks or glass, and you’re ready to go. Firepit With Seating Area This idea takes it up a notch by including a built-in seating area. Mark your firepit area and path, whether leading from a patio or door, and plan the layout. Construct the firepit first, then create a seating area around it using wooden benches or large stones. Barbecue Firepit Combo Why not combine functionality with entertainment? Build a standard stone or brick firepit but include a removable grill top. This way, your firepit can also act as a grill, making your outdoor gatherings twice as fun. Propane Gas Firepit Table If you’re looking for something less traditional and more controlled, you can create a propane gas firepit table. Though it requires more technical know-how and costs a bit more, it’s a fantastic long-term investment.
TAKE A BREAK
World’s Best Brownies
Ingredients
• 2/3 cup butter • 2 oz unsweetened chocolate • 1 cup granulated sugar • 2 large eggs • 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour • 1/4 tsp baking powder • 1/4 tsp salt • 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)
Directions
1. Preheat oven to 350 F and grease an 8-inch square baking pan. 2. Melt butter and chocolate in a saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly, then remove from heat and let cool slightly. 3. In a large bowl, beat together sugar, eggs, and vanilla, then add melted chocolate mixture and blend well. 4. In a separate bowl, stir together flour, baking powder, and salt. 5. Gradually add flour mixture to chocolate mixture, stirring until blended, then stir in nuts if desired. 6. Pour batter into prepared pan and spread evenly. 7. Bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
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INSIDE
1
‘I Have Made Fire’ (Lessons From ‘Cast Away’)
2
Winter’s Best-Kept Secrets: How to Cozy Up Your Home
Fridge Frustration? Try These Easy Tips for a Tidy Refrigerator!
3
Firepits You Can Build Yourself
World’s Best Brownies
4
Home Renovation Made Simple
Beginner’s Guide to Floating Shelves
IT’S EASIER THAN YOU THINK!
Those trendy floating shelves you see all over Instagram aren’t as difficult to craft as you think! Perfect for any minimalist, plant lover, or beginner renovator, floating shelves are your answer to easy storage and decor. For simple floating shelves, follow these steps. Cut your wood. Depending on how long you want your shelves to be, the length of your wooden boards will vary. Take your time and decide what would work best for your space. Once you decide on the right measurements, cut your boards.
Attach corner braces. On the flat bottom of the board, secure your corner braces with screws. You can paint your corner braces the same color as your wall to really make your shelves look like they float! Secure your new shelves! Use painter’s tape to outline where you want your shelves to float. Once your lines are straight, drill holes where you will be securing your corner braces. Screw your shelf into the wall where you drilled your holes, then you’re done!
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