A fall tradition that dates back to the nascent days of our country, caramel apples are quite the fall treat. They are relatively easy to make and offer a blank canvas for you to put your own spin on as your heart (and taste buds!) desires. Here are a few recipes for you to use for your inspiration this year. Enjoy! Classic Caramel Apples You just can?t beat a tried and true classic. With this recipe, you can enjoy as-is or as your baseline for adding twists and variations. It?s yours to make your own, however you see fit! Here is a great recipe for you to start with . Chocolate Covered Caramel Apples This is a simple variation that will have your guests obsessed with their new chocolate and caramel addiction. Most variations on this recipe call for creating a classic caramel apple, and then dipping it again (once cooled) into a ready chocolate sauce for the ultimate indulgence. We found a great recipe for you to try . Nut Covered Caramel Apples You can do a fun variation on caramel apples with this one! Just start with the basic caramel recipe and then chop up some of your favorite nuts and seeds and start rolling! Roll half in chopped walnuts and the other half in sesame for a toasty, salty twist! The sky's the limit. White Chocolate Peppermint Apples What if you took the caramel out of caramel apples? This recipe is a fantastic variation on a classic favorite. You will just need some white chocolate bark, a slow cooker (or microwave), and your favorite toppings. We recommend a few: Sprinkles Peanuts Peppermint bits (like a peppermint bark for Christmas!) Cashews Raisins Caramel (if you make a white chocolate apple, you can freeze it for 2 hours and then dip it again in melted caramel and then pop it back in the freezer for another two hours and you will have a delicious double dipped treat! Top with nuts or sprinkles. Reese's Pieces Caramel Apple?. Pie! This last recipe is a huge hit around our house. While we love caramel apples, we go crazy for a fresh pie, especially a caramel apple pie. You can get the best of both worlds here all in one place. The neat thing is that if you?re feeling really adventurous, you can add your favorite toppings to a pie slice to make it really go off the flavor charts. You can use any type of apple you?d like, but we recommend Gravenstein apples. There are lots of places this recipe can go. Make it your own with a unique twist. Conclusion We hope that this article about caramel apple recipes was useful to you. If you want to make a purchase, schedule one of our window covering experts for a FREE estimate and more information by calling the office at 208-888-1056. If you have any questions about purchasing some awesome exterior solar shades or commercial blind or window covering work, or any other window covering related issue, we would love to hear from you. Contact us today to get started .
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In today's blog, we're going to cover some fun and unique ways in which you can take your plain backyard space and turn it into the ultimate outdoor living space. This fall and winter, don't think that you have to move the party indoors! You can keep entertaining and having BBQ's and other fun in your backyard as long as you prepare for it ahead of time. Here are some things to help inspire you! Add Warmth First thing?s first. It?s going to be cold this fall and winter and in order to entertain outdoors, you?re going to need to help take the edge off the cold of the evening. You have a couple of great options. The first, is that we are proud to offer an excellent selection of outdoor heating solutions for your home or restaurant from both Infratech and Heatsail. Now, these are cutting edge infrared heating technology that provide energy efficient warmth without compromising on style. A great way to keep your guests warm without having to resort to cumbersome and noisy propane heaters. We have in-house electricians available to wire and install your heaters as well. The other option for warmth is more budget friendly, but less effective overall is to build a homemade fire pit. If your pit is large enough and is located in a central location to your entertainment area, then it will do a decent job of keeping your backyard warm enough for guests. Cozy Furniture Cozy furniture is a must for proper outdoor entertainment. We recommend at least one outdoor couch and a loveseat and at least six individual chairs or loungers that can be placed around the patio area for conversations and dining. The perfect compliment to your cozy furniture is going to be some outdoor window covering and shade solutions from Blind Appeal. We have some great options for you in our solar shade collection . They help you enjoy the best that your outdoor space has to offer without the discomfort of the sun?s glare and heat (in the summer, of course). A nice enclosed or semi-enclosed patio with our solar shade or awning setup will help make your home the ultimate entertainment destination. Set Up Fall Appropriate Lighting Lighting really goes a long way to perfecting the ambiance and mood. Since it gets dark so early in the fall and the winter, you will need a light source that is going to be strong enough to help brighten your backyard, but not glaring or bothersome to your neighbors. We recommend strings of LED lights and maybe some outdoor lamps as well around the corners. Conclusion We hope that this article about outdoor living spaces was useful to you. If you want to make a purchase, schedule one of our window covering experts for a FREE estimate and more information by calling the office at 208-888-1056. If you have any questions about purchasing some awesome exterior solar shades or commercial blind or window covering work, or any other window covering related issue, we would love to hear from you. Contact us today to get started .
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As much fun as the summer can be, we all know that there are many of us out there who long for fall instead. The sunny weather is great, but the punishing heat wears out its welcome quickly. For many of us, that welcome is worn out before July 1st! Now that fall is just on the horizon, it?s time to start planning on some fun fall-only activities to enjoy on your own, or with friends and family. In today?s article, we?re going to do just that. We will showcase some fun fall activities that you can use to help fill in the gaps in your fall schedule. Let us know if we missed any of your favorites! Visit A Local Play Farm Idaho is lucky in many ways, the best of which is that we have so much rich farmland and lots of amazing farm families in and around our community. There are tons of great touring farms in and around Boise that you can enjoy this fall. The most well known and amenity rich being Lowe Family Farmstead in Kuna . We recommend checking out the corn maze, pumpkin patch (buy some while you?re there!), the gemstone mining, apple blasters, and so much more! They have lots of other things to do and enjoy for kids of all ages. Explore The Farmer?s Market Speaking of farms, The Boise Farmers Market is always a great place to visit, but in the fall, they have the very best fall and winter exclusives like apples, pumpkins, squash, and so much more. It?s a great way to support local businesses and family farms in and around Idaho. This is a great family friendly activity that the whole family can enjoy. Let the kids pick out some new and exciting things to try and maybe try to craft a meal together using only ingredients from the market. Apple Picking If you?d rather skip the market and go directly to the farm for your produce, then this is the activity for you! Apple picking is a great family friendly activity that will get everyone involved. Candy Apple Orchard , Tyler's Rocky Point Orchard , and Williams Fruit Ranch , are all great places to try. See Boise Through A Bike Tour The fall is a great time to take a leisurely tour by bike through the city. With the temperature outside getting colder, you can bike for a long time without fear of overheating. Now, there are some more 21+ bike tours around Boise that are definitely fun, like Pedals And Pints , we?re talking about an all-ages type of bike tour that includes a nice historical lecture as you go so that you can learn more about this great city and its history. For that, try Boise Bicycle Tours . Conclusion We hope that this article about fall festivals and family friendly activities was useful to you. If you want to make a purchase, schedule one of our window covering experts for a FREE estimate and more information by calling the office at 208-888-1056. If you have any questions about purchasing some awesome exterior solar shades or commercial blind or window covering work, or any other window covering related issue, we would love to hear from you. Contact us today to get started .
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When it's time to get the kids back to school each year, you know your life is going to get a little bit busier. And, you can't spell ?busy? without the word ?bus.? Which is exactly what we?re going to be talking about in today?s article: bus safety and etiquette for parents and kids. Let us know in the comments or on social media if you have some additional tips or ideas for bus safety! As A Driver During the school year, if you have to drive to work each morning, you will most likely encounter several school buses on their way to pick up kids for school. Here are a few safety tip reminders to help you and the people around you stay safe on the road. Do not pass a stopped bus with its stop sign extended, even if there is another lane of traffic Drive with caution when you are nearing a bus stop because kids may be rushing to catch a bus and may not see you or be paying attention to your car Watch for crosswalks during the school year Slow down and obey all speed laws in or around school zones Don?t follow a school bus too closely. They have limited visibility of cars that are directly behind them Be prepared to stop at all railroad crossings if you are behind a bus Waiting For The Bus To Arrive If you drop your kids off or wait with them at the bus stop, then here are some safety tips for you. Make sure your kids stay at least three big steps back from the curb at all times, until the bus comes Dress your kids in high visibility shoes, or backpack tape, or clothing in general to help them stay visible along roads and as they get to and from the bus stop Kids must avoid roughhousing or playing with balls or throwing objects like frisbees at the bus stop Don?t approach the bus until it has fully stopped and traffic around the bus has stopped. The bus driver will usually open the door and motion to the children when it is safe to board Tell your children not to talk to strangers who approach the bus stop or accept rides from anyone who isn?t their regularly scheduled bus and driver Make sure your kids? shoes are snuggly tied and their backpacks are closed and secured to help prevent your child from tripping over their laces and dropping something from their backpack and running back in the road to go retrieve it Conclusion We hope that this article about bus stop safety and education was useful to you. If you want to make a purchase, schedule one of our window covering experts for a FREE estimate and more information by calling the office at 208-888-1056. If you have any questions about purchasing some awesome exterior solar shades or commercial blind or window covering work, or any other window covering related issue, we would love to hear from you. Contact us today to get started .
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While the heat waves of summer rage on, staying cool in your home becomes a part time or even a full time job! Yes, you may have air conditioning, but that only goes so far. It is but one aspect of the extensive array of things that you must have in place in order to actually compete with the heat. In today's article, we're going to cover some ways in which you can use some of our fantastic window covering products like shades and blinds and curtains to help ensure that your home stays cool and looks ?cool? at the same time. If you have some heat-beating ideas or solutions of your own, please don?t hesitate to share them in the comments or on our social media pages. We can?t wait to hear from you! Help Your AC Work Better: Increase Energy Efficiency With Indoor Window Coverings While your AC unit may be working at peak efficiency, it may still not be able to keep up with the relentless heat outdoors. Help your unit out by making the inside of your home naturally cooler with some energy efficient and money-saving blinds and shades. While your home?s walls provide a ton of protection and insulation from the outside elements, your home?s windows are a weak spot when it comes to protecting you from the heat. Using some of our excellent suite of window covering products can help you shore up the weak spot while also making your home look and feel more beautiful. Honeycomb Shades These shades are perfect for helping your home keep cool this summer because they provide an extra layer of insulation between your windows and the inside of your home. They trap the warm air in their pockets and keep it near the window instead of letting it circulate around the room. They also help to block sunlight, to a degree, from entering your home and warming up your carpet and furniture by exposure to direct sunlight Roller Shades These shades are a perfect marriage between the aesthetics of a cozy set of blinds with the functionality of blackout curtains. They are made with hearty UV reflective materials that help to block harsh light, harmful UV rays, and other sources of the sun?s heat from entering your home. They can also be rigged to a motor for the ultimate home automation experience. Exterior Shades, Umbrellas, And Pergolas There comes a point in every summer season when you just are a bit tired of being cooped up indoors during the heat. We understand! That is why we offer a stunning array of outdoor exterior shades, umbrellas, and other products that can help you turn your back porch into a virtual extra living room. Check out our full selection here to see what configuration is right for your home and budget. Conclusion We hope that this article about the ways in which our products can help you beat the heat was useful to you. If you want to make a purchase, schedule one of our window covering experts for a FREE estimate and more information by calling the office at 208-888-1056. If you have any questions about purchasing some awesome exterior solar shades or commercial blind or window covering work, or any other window covering related issue, we would love to hear from you. Contact us today to get started .
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When you think of parents supporting your efforts, you typically think of them attending your basketball games or t-ball games as a kid, but you don?t usually think of them supporting you as you grow your business or further your career goals. The reality is that having supportive parents can help you in all aspects of your adult life from your career, to your relationships, to your overall health and wellness. In today?s blog, we?re going to explore some of the ways in which parents are the silent and not so slight supporters in our lives. Celebrate National Parent?s Day with us this July 28th as we honor and reflect upon all the great things that our parents have provided for us. Build Your Confidence As professionals and business owners, we all know that making the sale or making your voice heard in a crowded boardroom takes a certain amount of confidence. Some people come by that naturally while others need a little boost. That?s where parents come in. They can help to give you the encouragement and positive reinforcement that will help you feel secure and determined in your professional decisions. Provide A Sounding Board Your parents know that you can get frustrated at times. While there is no single solution that will help you become unfrustrated right away, they can provide an ear to listen to and help you verbally work out your problems and frustrations. Sometimes, just being able to vent to a 3rd party who will provide a non-judgemental attitude is all the help you need to work through the toughest of situations. Positive Reinforcement Your parents can help you by celebrating your wins and your professional achievements no matter how big or small. This will help boost your overall confidence and morale. Jump for joy! Help With Connections Or Other Resources Parents are adults and professionals too! Often enough, they will have professional contacts and friends in the industry that they can leverage to help promote or strengthen your business. Go to them for their professional advice or business contacts from time to time. You may be surprised at who they know that could be a valuable asset to your career aspirations! Passing Along Financial Wisdom Our parents have definitely seen a thing or two when it comes to financial literacy. Even if they have never taken a formal class in it, they are probably very financially literate and wise. Let them pass that wisdom down to you so that you can get a head start in the world of finance and managing your money. Ask them if they have any budgeting tips, stock investment ideas, or even recommendations for a good local financial planner that can help tie everything together. Conclusion We hope that this article about the amazing impact of our parents was useful to you. If you want to make a purchase, schedule one of our window covering experts for a FREE estimate and more information by calling the office at 208-888-1056. If you have any questions about purchasing some awesome exterior solar shades or commercial blind or window covering work, or any other window covering related issue, we would love to hear from you. Contact us today to get started .
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According to Merriam-Webster's Dictionary, glamping is " outdoor camping with amenities and comforts (such as beds, electricity, and access to indoor plumbing) not usually used when camping ." For those of us who don't like the idea of sleeping on hard, uneven ground, or finding a bathroom in the bushes, this is our idea of camping. The Treasure Valley (and all of Idaho) has some of the best outdoor views and adventures in the world. If you are wanting to experience all Idaho has to offer but camping doesn?t sound like much fun, give glamping a try! Now that we sorta know what glamping is, here is what you need to prepare for ?roughing it? in style, according to the noblecamper.com: Blankets and Pillows : Cozy bedding is a must for those chilly nights under the stars . Air Mattress : Say goodbye to thin sleeping pads and hello to plush air mattresses for a good night?s sleep. String Lights : Add some ambiance to your glamping site with fairy lights. Hammock : Lounge in style and enjoy the great outdoors. Coffee Maker : Because no morning is complete without a cup of joe. Camping Chairs : Relax by the fire or take in the view from a comfy chair. Glamping Tent : Opt for a spacious, well-equipped tent that combines comfort and style. Glamping is all about enjoying nature without sacrificing creature comforts! Now, where to glamp? Anywhere really but rumor has it that in Idaho, Ponderosa State Park is pretty ideal. Popular among families due to its close proximity to the town of McCall (you can eat at any of the great restaurants or hit the grocery store in a matter of minutes) is Ponderosa State Park. Situated on a thousand-acre peninsula that extends into Payette Lake, the park boasts stunning mountain views. Here?s what you can expect: There are 173 campsites, including full-hookup, electric, and companion sites. Some sites even have yurts. The park also has nine deluxe cabins (with lake views). Explore the park by hiking or biking; the trails are gorgeous! Enjoy some beach time and cool off in the chilly but beautiful lake. Again, there is something for everyone, which makes this a very popular camping destination. Nearby is Tamarack. The ultimate kind of glamping may be not camping at all! Reserve a ?cabin? in the area surrounding the central area (which has prime outdoor enthusiast shopping and great restaurants). Why did we put ?cabin? in quotes? Because these cabins aren?t rustic, they are plush and most include hot tubs. So while you?re out and about this summer, don?t sweat the details. If you?re escaping a renovation, building your dream kitchen, let us give you your dream window treatments. If you are in the market for some new and updated window treatments, we are here to help. If you want to learn more, schedule one of our window covering experts for a FREE estimate and more information by calling the office at 208-888-1056. If you have any questions about purchasing some awesome exterior solar shades or commercial blind or window coverings, or any other window covering related issue, we would love to hear from you. Contact us today to get started.
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With Father's Day just around the corner, it's time to consider how best to celebrate the dad-figures in your life. With so many wonderful things to do in the Treasure Valley it can be tough to pick which thing to do! Here at Blind Appeal, we've put on our thinking caps to help you with this brainstorming process, and we've come up with a few ideas. No matter how you decide to celebrate Father's Day this year we hope you have a wonderful time with the father, husband, or father figure in your life. Backyard BBQ We know, this sounds like a cliche idea, but here?s how you can spruce it up: buy dad a new hammock or other type of outdoor reclining chair. If you can swing it, buy him a new grill, too! Dig up his favorite barbeque recipes, and cook for him (unless he insists on being the grill master). Fix his favorite sides, let him relax and enjoy a beer or two (or a lemonade, whatever is preferred). Take some burden off yourself and order his favorite dessert from a bakery a few days ahead of time, then relax with him once dinner is done and reminisce about your favorite fatherly memories. Plant Him a Garden Construct or buy a garden box, and plant dad?s favorite veggies. Does he have an affinity for certain peppers? What does he like most in his salad? What herbs does he use to marinate with? Plan a trip to your local nursery and plant everything the evening before or morning of Father?s Day (when it?s cool so you and the plants don?t wilt). If he?s the gardening type, include him in the activity, and if he is not, maybe plan to do upkeep as a summer-long Father?s Day gift. Let Him Take Off for the Afternoon Sometimes parent figures find a gift in solitude, especially if they are still working the daily grind. Does dad like to fish? Give him a giftcard to his favorite sporting goods store a day or two before Father?s Day so he can pick out a new pole or other equipment and hit the river for the afternoon. Buy him a season-long membership to a golf club. Find him a book by his favorite author and a giftcard to his favorite coffee shop. Sometimes a day away helps put wind back in the sails of any burnt-out adult. And -- while it is grilling season -- keep us in mind when you build or design your dream kitchen! If you are in the market for some new and updated window treatments, we are here to help. If you want to learn more, schedule one of our window covering experts for a FREE estimate and more information by calling the office at 208-888-1056. If you have any questions about purchasing some awesome exterior solar shades or commercial blind or window coverings, or any other window covering related issue, we would love to hear from you. Contact us today to get started.
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