Brought to you by
October 2024
Cassy West
Howl-Free Halloween
Tips for Calm and Cozy Pets
Embracing Autumn
Feng Shui Tips to Bring Summer's Glow into Fall
Spooktober Fun
Family Activities to Get You in the Halloween Spirit
Compliments of
Cassy West
Cassy West
Holistic REALTOR® & Wellness Real Estate Expert
Your Home Environment Matters
772-643-4460
Welcome to the October issue of WellnessRE™ magazine! As we dive into the spooky season, this edition celebrates Halloween while preparing your home for the cozy fall months ahead, all with wellness and efficiency in mind.
Inside, you’ll discover tips for creating a fall-ready kitchen perfect for seasonal baking and how to keep your pets calm and cozy during Halloween festivities. Plus, learn about the hidden dangers of off-gassing along with easy ways to detox your living room. This issue is all about embracing the magic of Halloween while focusing on creating a healthy and inviting home environment.
Enjoy the spooky season ahead!
Recipe of the Month
Black Velvet Halloween Cake-Gluten Free and Vegan
Heather Christo, Deliciously Allergen Free Recipes
Hi Guys!!! Here we are, with just a few days to Halloween and all of the festivities are under way. In fact, I made these brownies to take to school today because Coco was the farmer in the first grade rendition of “The Little Pumpkin.” Pete and I were all excited to go and see her and I was in charge of bringing treats and juice. But after sitting in traffic in the middle of the day for 35 minutes to get the three miles to school and then parking and hauling all the stuff in, we were 6 minutes late. And the play was already over. Waaahhhhh!!! I seriously could have cried. Apparently the first grade is incredibly punctual and the play is incredibly short (turns out it is 3 minutes long). Coco said- “Really mom? Really???” Parent Fail. Thank goodness the treats helped make up for it and lots of parents generously shared their video footage with me. Gahhh…..
Photo Credit: Heather Christo
Organization
Bake Like a Pro:
Organize Your Kitchen for Fall Baking Fun
By Jolene Nanette
As the air starts to cool down and the holidays are quickly approaching, there's no better time to dive into the warm and comforting world of fall baking. From pumpkin spice treats to delicious apple pies, the season offers plenty of excuses that call us to the kitchen. To make the most of your baking adventures, it’s essential to organize and prepare your pantry and kitchen. Here’s how to get ready for a season filled with delightful aromas and time spent cooking with family.
Pets
Howl-Free Halloween
Tips for Calm and Cozy Pets
By Lucy Chatman
Protect your furry friends from spooky stress and hidden dangers with these easy Halloween tips. Halloween is a time of fun for people, but it can be a night of stress and danger for your furry family members. The doorbell rings constantly, strange costumes parade through the neighborhood, and candy—lots of candy—is within paw’s reach. Here are some savvy tips to keep your pets safe and calm during the Halloween madness.
Featured Article
Living Well
Staff Writer
When it comes to living a healthy lifestyle, we often focus on diet and exercise. While these are certainly important factors, they're not the only ones that contribute to our overall well-being. The truth is, the environment in which we live can also have a significant impact on our health and well-being.
Research has shown that the home environment can affect everything from our mood and energy levels to our immune system and sleep patterns. Factors such as air quality, natural lighting, and green spaces can all have a positive impact on our health. On the other hand, exposure to environmental hazards such as chemicals and mold can have negative effects.
Creating a healthy home environment can involve a range of actions, from choosing homes with healthy features to making modifications to existing homes. This might include investing in energy-efficient appliances, improving air quality with proper ventilation, and minimizing exposure to environmental toxins.
By taking steps to create a healthy home environment, we can improve our overall well-being and lead happier, healthier lives. After all, our homes are where we spend the majority of our time, and the environment we live in can have a significant impact on our health and happiness.
Family
Spooktober Fun: Family-Friendly Activities to Get Excited for Halloween
By Sheila Alston
October is here, and what better way to gear up for Halloween than by diving into some fun, festive activities that the whole family can enjoy? From creative costume swaps to spooky movie nights, these ideas will get everyone in the Halloween spirit and build excitement all month long!
Feng Shui Essentials
Embracing Autumn: Feng Shui Tips to Bring Summer's Glow into Fall
By Dee Oujiri
The leaves are starting to turn, and the air is getting crisp in many places, signaling it’s time to cozy up our spaces. But who says we have to let go of summer's warmth completely? Let's blend the best of both seasons using a dash of Feng Shui magic and a sprinkle of nature-loving design. Are you ready to make your home feel like a warm hug, even as the temperatures drop? What exactly is Feng Shui? Think of it as the art of making your home your personal sanctuary. It's like having a superpower to arrange your space so that good vibes flow freely. No capes are required, just a willingness to play around with your decor!
Healthy Home
Healthy Living Starts Here
Easy Ways to Detox Your Living Room
Super Simple Living Room Ideas
By Amanda Klcecker
When you’re working towards creating a healthier home, so often we focus on the bedroom, the kitchen and other areas that we spend a lot of time. Living room ideas might get pushed to the back-burner because we don’t feel like this space has opportunities for change.
Halloween Fun
Haunted Real Estate: Famous Haunted Houses and Their Real Stories
By Lucy Chatman
When it comes to real estate, location, price, and curb appeal are crucial, but what if the “history” of the house includes a few ghosts? Whether you’re a fan of the paranormal or not, these haunted homes have some spooky stories that will give you chills—and might even affect their market value!
Healthy Home Design
More Than Just Watching Paint Dry: The Hidden Dangers of Off-Gassing and Its Impact on Your Health
By Andy Pace
Just about every day in the last 32 years, I’ve taken phone calls from customers all over the world complaining about a single issue. “My house is off-gassing and I’m getting sick from the odors.” I thought it would be a good idea to share this discussion with Healthy Home Media readers and discuss what people are actually dealing with and identify realistic solutions. For readers to relate to one common example, I will defer to paints, however hundreds of other materials could be contributing to toxic off-gassing in our homes.
Eco-Design
A Silicosis Surge:
Rethinking Engineered Countertops
By Cassy West
Grinders’ asthma. Stonecutters’ consumption. Potters’ rot. Silicosis. Lung disease from breathing in dust is one of the oldest and most lethal occupational hazards for people working in the building trades. According to a “A Short History of Occupational Disease,” an article published by the Ulster Medical Society in 2021, evidence of silicosis dates back to antiquity.
Wellness Architecture
Seasons of Comfort:
How to Design a Yard for Year-Round Enjoyment
By Kate Hamblet, Wellness Architect
As autumn weather begins to cool and the first signs of winter approach, it can be tempting to stay indoors. However, with a few thoughtful updates, your yard can become a welcoming space to enjoy throughout the season and even as winter draws nearer. Imagine savoring the crisp fall air, cozying up under a blanket, and soaking in the changing landscape from the comfort of your outdoor space. Spending time outside not only boosts your mood but also provides a refreshing connection with nature.
