Happy 2018 Cafe Readers!
Hope the New Year is treating everyone well so far... and that everyone is surviving this weather...
I am, but barely. I am thankful that we are not getting all the snow and whatnot that many are getting, along with the ice chunked flooding. We are just experiencing for the most part freezing temperatures.
I digress, on to happier thoughts, the new issue is packed with several excellent pieces if I say so myself. So sit back with the hot beverage of your choice and enjoy the issue.
We are now taking submissions for the spring - poetry, artwork, short stories, etc.
Email them to me at holidaycafe.nicole@gmail.com
Until next time, stay warm!
Nicole
Friday, January 5, 2018
Before the Sun Wakes Up
Interview Coming Soon!
Check back in the spring 2018 issue for an exclusive interview
with author Rachael Bindas and illustrator Alyssa Minko!
Before the Sun Wakes Up is a self-published children's book. A simple narrative combined with intentionally implicit artistic decisions, Before the Sun Wakes Up is dedicated to promoting acceptance and equality in the minds of young children, to assure all children that they have a place in this world.
For more information, like Before the Sun Wakes Up on Facebook, follow @beforethesunwakesup on Instagram, or go to www.beforethesunwakesup.com
Arachnophobia
Everyday I pass by the baby spider I killed
Three weeks ago.
Black body on white wall, inches away
From my pink shower curtain,
I stare at it as I get in and out.
I refuse to lay it to rest.
A childhood fear lead to its
Merciless murder, and fear
Drives me to leave it untouched.
I will not throw the bug away.
“It could never hurt you anyway”
But still it remains on the wall,
Where I stare at its small,
Crushed being.
Death is like that.
I won’t touch it, won’t talk about it.
But I can do nothing about it.
Death cannot hurt me.
Until one day, when it finally does.
But then, will I even really feel that hurt?
I am scared of death just as much
As I am scared of a tiny creature
That I could crush in two seconds,
But I acknowledge the spider.
Paige Perla is a writer and freelance editor from Pittsburgh, PA. She enjoys writing poetry and fiction. Her previous work has been featured in Aeons and the Carroll News.
Three weeks ago.
Black body on white wall, inches away
From my pink shower curtain,
I stare at it as I get in and out.
I refuse to lay it to rest.
A childhood fear lead to its
Merciless murder, and fear
Drives me to leave it untouched.
I will not throw the bug away.
“It could never hurt you anyway”
But still it remains on the wall,
Where I stare at its small,
Crushed being.
Death is like that.
I won’t touch it, won’t talk about it.
But I can do nothing about it.
Death cannot hurt me.
Until one day, when it finally does.
But then, will I even really feel that hurt?
I am scared of death just as much
As I am scared of a tiny creature
That I could crush in two seconds,
But I acknowledge the spider.
Paige Perla is a writer and freelance editor from Pittsburgh, PA. She enjoys writing poetry and fiction. Her previous work has been featured in Aeons and the Carroll News.
From Gina's Kitchen Interview
Small business owner Gina Michak is a baker from Pittsburgh, PA. She founded her baking business, From Gina’s Kitchen, in the Northern Virginia area. Gina bakes a variety of specialty desserts, including white chocolate lemon truffles and butterscotch bars. She even bakes theme desserts, and offers a themed birthday party package, in which she completely handles all party planning details. Read on to learn more about Gina’s thoughts on her favorite desserts, her experience running a small business, and of course, her love for our beautiful Pittsburgh.
1. When did you discover your passion for baking?
As a child, I loved to watch my grandmother bake and cook. She’d let me help with simple things like measuring, mixing, and stirring. I loved reading all her recipes and cookbooks.
2. Who was your biggest influence in baking?
My grandmother.
3. How did you decide to take this passion and turn it into a business?
Life before being a mom was in the non-profit world of meetings and event planning. I started off as a receptionist at a Washington, DC non-profit and found myself assisting the meeting planner more than sitting at the reception desk! Then, after having my first baby I quit to stay home with her. As our family grew to three kids, baking and cooking became a hobby, and then with birthday parties to plan for the children, I saw I could meld the event planner and baker in me together! As the kids became school-aged I was a parent volunteer at the kids’ school. I started baking for many school and church events (they attended Catholic school), many of which I planned and ran as chairperson. From there folks asked for my ideas, input, and baked goods for their parties and family gatherings. I realized then that I could bake as a business, as well as assist folks with party planning details.
4. What is your favorite dessert to make?
Vanilla birthday cake with almond buttercream!
5. Describe the most elaborate dessert you’ve had to bake.
A cake shaped like an open book! It was fun to let the creative juices flow. I even included two of the party honorees’ favorite quotes on the pages!
6. What advice do you have for others looking to start small businesses, whether in baking or otherwise?
I’d say you will know when the time is right to dive in. Don’t take shortcuts, get all the training you can, ask questions of those in the industry you are looking to go in to. If it’s food, find a shared kitchen space and see if they offer a course like the Foundations program I just completed. A network of others who have been in your shoes is invaluable. Good people are willing to help you and offer advice. Most of all, surround yourself with POSITIVE people. I just recently came across this quote and believe it’s true: “If your friends don’t support your business, then they aren’t your friends.“ Lastly, don’t undervalue yourself or your product, or others will do the same.
7. Can you summarize what the Foundations program at Frontier Kitchen is, and speak a little about your experience through the program?
The Foundations Program offered through Frontier Kitchen (a Virginia based-business incubator for the culinary world) is a 12-week course offering small food business entrepreneurs the knowledge and business know-how to run a new food business successfully. They didn't teach me how to bake. Instructors shared their knowledge and expertise in understanding proper certifications, assistance with finding customers, food safety basics, pricing, determining food costs and cost of recipes, product decisions, and the world of hiring employees.
I learned taxes and accounting 101 from guest speakers who work on a regular basis with food businesses. I listened to marketing presentations from professionals in the food industry, some whom have invested in food businesses over the years, and knew a thing or two (or three) about what it takes to start and keep a business running.
My final project was a combination of writing a business plan, doing financial projections, and presenting to a panel of judges. I had to pitch my company to them, and the "prize" was a 3-month membership in the kitchen. The prize value was $3,100. That's a huge amount for a small business just starting out—no rent to worry about for 3 months! The instructors were with us every step of the way, and guided us on the path to being prepared for that moment. They taught us that even if we don't think we need investors at this time, eventually we will need to have the skills and tools to successfully and with confidence pitch our companies to banks and private investors. I won the grand prize!
8. Do you plan to expand your business and deliver outside of the Haymarket, Virginia area?
Yes, I would like to see my cookies being shipped outside of VA, and my long term vision includes a cafe/coffeehouse place at a lake!
9. I see that you’re from Pittsburgh and graduated from the University of Pittsburgh. Can you speak a little about this amazing city?
Yes, I MISS my hometown! My husband and I moved for jobs in the late 80’s/early 90’s after graduating. Randy moved first, I followed two years later. We tried to move back twice but it wasn’t meant to be. It’s such an amazing family-oriented town where people let their roots grow deep. It has everything I love: family, food, and sports. We are huge Pitt, Penguins, Steelers, and Pirates fans. Although our kids were born in VA, we ALL bleed black and gold!
10. Do you have anything else you’d like to add? Thanks for giving me the opportunity to share a little about myself. I hope it inspires a reader to go and live their dream!
Read more about Gina’s baking services and check out her blog at www.fromginaskitchen.com
Rachael Bindas is a freelance writer and editor from Pittsburgh, PA. She focuses mainly on fiction, but still harbors a deep love for poetry. Her work has been featured in Moledro Magazine, Aeons, The Curious Element Magazine, and The Holiday Cafe.
1. When did you discover your passion for baking?
As a child, I loved to watch my grandmother bake and cook. She’d let me help with simple things like measuring, mixing, and stirring. I loved reading all her recipes and cookbooks.
2. Who was your biggest influence in baking?
My grandmother.
3. How did you decide to take this passion and turn it into a business?
Life before being a mom was in the non-profit world of meetings and event planning. I started off as a receptionist at a Washington, DC non-profit and found myself assisting the meeting planner more than sitting at the reception desk! Then, after having my first baby I quit to stay home with her. As our family grew to three kids, baking and cooking became a hobby, and then with birthday parties to plan for the children, I saw I could meld the event planner and baker in me together! As the kids became school-aged I was a parent volunteer at the kids’ school. I started baking for many school and church events (they attended Catholic school), many of which I planned and ran as chairperson. From there folks asked for my ideas, input, and baked goods for their parties and family gatherings. I realized then that I could bake as a business, as well as assist folks with party planning details.
4. What is your favorite dessert to make?
Vanilla birthday cake with almond buttercream!
5. Describe the most elaborate dessert you’ve had to bake.
A cake shaped like an open book! It was fun to let the creative juices flow. I even included two of the party honorees’ favorite quotes on the pages!
6. What advice do you have for others looking to start small businesses, whether in baking or otherwise?
I’d say you will know when the time is right to dive in. Don’t take shortcuts, get all the training you can, ask questions of those in the industry you are looking to go in to. If it’s food, find a shared kitchen space and see if they offer a course like the Foundations program I just completed. A network of others who have been in your shoes is invaluable. Good people are willing to help you and offer advice. Most of all, surround yourself with POSITIVE people. I just recently came across this quote and believe it’s true: “If your friends don’t support your business, then they aren’t your friends.“ Lastly, don’t undervalue yourself or your product, or others will do the same.
7. Can you summarize what the Foundations program at Frontier Kitchen is, and speak a little about your experience through the program?
The Foundations Program offered through Frontier Kitchen (a Virginia based-business incubator for the culinary world) is a 12-week course offering small food business entrepreneurs the knowledge and business know-how to run a new food business successfully. They didn't teach me how to bake. Instructors shared their knowledge and expertise in understanding proper certifications, assistance with finding customers, food safety basics, pricing, determining food costs and cost of recipes, product decisions, and the world of hiring employees.
I learned taxes and accounting 101 from guest speakers who work on a regular basis with food businesses. I listened to marketing presentations from professionals in the food industry, some whom have invested in food businesses over the years, and knew a thing or two (or three) about what it takes to start and keep a business running.
My final project was a combination of writing a business plan, doing financial projections, and presenting to a panel of judges. I had to pitch my company to them, and the "prize" was a 3-month membership in the kitchen. The prize value was $3,100. That's a huge amount for a small business just starting out—no rent to worry about for 3 months! The instructors were with us every step of the way, and guided us on the path to being prepared for that moment. They taught us that even if we don't think we need investors at this time, eventually we will need to have the skills and tools to successfully and with confidence pitch our companies to banks and private investors. I won the grand prize!
8. Do you plan to expand your business and deliver outside of the Haymarket, Virginia area?
Yes, I would like to see my cookies being shipped outside of VA, and my long term vision includes a cafe/coffeehouse place at a lake!
9. I see that you’re from Pittsburgh and graduated from the University of Pittsburgh. Can you speak a little about this amazing city?
Yes, I MISS my hometown! My husband and I moved for jobs in the late 80’s/early 90’s after graduating. Randy moved first, I followed two years later. We tried to move back twice but it wasn’t meant to be. It’s such an amazing family-oriented town where people let their roots grow deep. It has everything I love: family, food, and sports. We are huge Pitt, Penguins, Steelers, and Pirates fans. Although our kids were born in VA, we ALL bleed black and gold!
10. Do you have anything else you’d like to add? Thanks for giving me the opportunity to share a little about myself. I hope it inspires a reader to go and live their dream!
Read more about Gina’s baking services and check out her blog at www.fromginaskitchen.com
Rachael Bindas is a freelance writer and editor from Pittsburgh, PA. She focuses mainly on fiction, but still harbors a deep love for poetry. Her work has been featured in Moledro Magazine, Aeons, The Curious Element Magazine, and The Holiday Cafe.
Lisa DiGorio Interview
 |
| Me - Tiny Dancing |
A few years ago we moved into a new house and one day I was walking home from dropping my son off at preschool and saw a sign for a dance school. Upon further inspection, it was my dance teacher from my childhood. I wasn't the only one who moved.
I messaged her to find out if she offered any adult classes. Sadly she didn't. A year went by and I thought I would try again but asked if she would teach me private lessons because I just wanted to dance again.
Lisa told me I could come dance with the high school class. Talk about intimidation...not only has it been 25 years since I put on a pair of ballet shoes but these girls were that much younger than me too.
It has been a lot of fun and everyone in the class is great. I honestly cannot say enough good things about the girls (and guy) that I am in class with. The week of Thanksgiving all the dancers put on a Christmas show. I was in four numbers and while I survived it, my legs hated me the next day.
For our last class before Christmas break, we went to Lawson's Nursing Home to perform our four dances (plus a few other numbers that I wasn't a part of) for the elderly residents. I was truly touched by this experience (and honestly it made me miss my grandmother a lot).
I had the chance to talk with Lisa post-visit about going to Lawson's and a few other things...
1. Recently you took a group of your dancers to Lawson's Nursing Home to perform for the residents. When did you start going out into the community to perform, more as a philanthropic act of good instead of entertaining?
As long as I have owned my studios I have been involved with the community. This is my 39th year in business.
2. What made you start doing these types of visits?
I have always felt that I should give back for all of the blessings I have been given. The gift of dance has enabled my students and me to spread cheer throughout the communities that I have been involved in. Along with community performances and nursing home visits, my Holiday Show has always been a charity event to help children.
3. Where else have you taken the dancers to perform for the community?
I have done Light-Up Nights in the boroughs of Glassport, Port Vue, and West Mifflin. I have also performed at Idlewild Park, Century III Mall, Pleasant Hills Middle School for the Fire Companies Christmas Event and Pleasant Hills Community Day.
4. What do you think the people you visit as well as the dancers get out of these visits?
The residents get to remember days that have gone by and reminisce about fond memories. I believe that my dancers bring some joy and happiness. My dancers learn to give the gift of themselves.
5. Can you tell me about your most memorable visit or performance? Where was it? What happened?
The truth is that every performance is special because I know that someone else is touched by that performance.
6. Where is one place that you personally, or your dancers, would love to perform?
I would love to take my ALLSTAR Dance Team to Disney World. I love to watch them compete at Regional and National Competitions.
If you have a child that is interested in wanting to dance, check out The Lisa DiGorio School of Dance in Pleasant Hills at www.dance4lisa.com
Nicole Leckenby is the driving force behind the Holiday Café blog spot. She also works full-time and runs after two very energetic boys at home.
365 Days
A New Year equals A New Me
I love a fresh start!
A new beginning
What lies ahead?
Everyday is a mystery
What’s today going to be?
A good day? Or a bad day?
The highs and lows
The curve balls and the inevitable
Some days coffee will do
Other days wine will do
What will I learn this year?
I always need an adventure!
I am 32 years old
I have goals and an agenda
The risks I will take
The mistakes I will make
Doors will close, other doors will open
Following the superstitions to bring in a great New Year
Here’s to another 365 Days!
A story untold and a mystery to unfold
A New Year equals A New Me
Natalie Belin is the author of The Many Colors of Natalie, a book of poetry. She holds an associates degree in Specialized Technology Le Cornon Bleu Pastry Arts and in her spare time is an artist and percussionist.
I love a fresh start!
A new beginning
What lies ahead?
Everyday is a mystery
What’s today going to be?
A good day? Or a bad day?
The highs and lows
The curve balls and the inevitable
Some days coffee will do
Other days wine will do
What will I learn this year?
I always need an adventure!
I am 32 years old
I have goals and an agenda
The risks I will take
The mistakes I will make
Doors will close, other doors will open
Following the superstitions to bring in a great New Year
Here’s to another 365 Days!
A story untold and a mystery to unfold
A New Year equals A New Me
Natalie Belin is the author of The Many Colors of Natalie, a book of poetry. She holds an associates degree in Specialized Technology Le Cornon Bleu Pastry Arts and in her spare time is an artist and percussionist.
Eradicating rape culture from American entertainment and politics
Harvey Weinstein. Roy Moore. Danny Masterson. Bill Cosby. Louis C.K. Al Franken. Kevin Spacey. George H.W. Bush. Ben Affleck. Matt Lauer. Donald Trump.
Everywhere one turns, a never-ending flood of sexual assault allegations keep bringing themselves to light. Entertainment and politics seem to be the most sexually polluted industries. One of the most arresting instances of recent sexual assault allegations was that of Harvey Weinstein. Weinstein was accused by actress Rose McGowan of promising to further her career in exchange for sexual favors. Countless other actresses have since come forward with their own stories of being sexually abused and raped by Weinstein.
Weinstein served as a catalyst for the onslaught of following sexual abuse allegations. If a man as powerful as Harvey Weinstein would be forced to pay for his actions and the victims would be believed, then surely other victims choosing to speak out about their own experiences would have similar results.
Like the entertainment industry, the political world has become largely infected with sexual misconduct. Most notably, President Donald J. Trump himself was caught on tape, claiming he could grab women wherever he pleased. Trump then endorsed Roy Moore for Senate, despite Moore’s allegations of sexually touching and pursuing teenage girls. Former Senator Al Franken was accused of inappropriately touching and kissing a plethora of women. Fortunately, Moore lost the election and Franken resigned from his position as Senator.
Why is it that entertainment and politics are the most sexually polluted industries? Ultimately, it comes down to power. Often, men are placed into positions of power over women, making more money than women, and holding higher professional positions than women. Women often become subordinate to the men in these industries that can further these women’s careers. This then permits space for sexual abuse and misconduct to flourish in professional settings.
While the infinite number of sexual assault and misconduct claims recently brought to surface is staggering to say the least, the number of claims is a mark of progress amid a dark world, as victims are beginning to speak out against their abusers with increasing frequency. While Weinstein’s condemnation brought countless other sexual assault allegations to light, sexual assault is not a new issue. Sexual harassment and rape have been taking place since the beginning of time, but the American society is no longer willing to accept sexual misconduct as a normal occurrence.
Moving forward, we need to continue to eradicate the rape culture of American society. We need to believe victims, and we must force sexual abusers to face the consequences of their actions. We must take the power from the abusers and give the power back to the victims and survivors of these crimes. We need to speak out and demand change. We must not allow this to continue.
If you are a survivor of sexual assault or rape in need of support, please call 1-800-621-HOPE (4673) or visit www.safehorizon.org
Rachael Bindas is a freelance writer and editor from Pittsburgh, PA. She focuses mainly on fiction, but still harbors a deep love for poetry. Her work has been featured in Moledro Magazine, Aeons, The Curious Element Magazine, and The Holiday Cafe.
Everywhere one turns, a never-ending flood of sexual assault allegations keep bringing themselves to light. Entertainment and politics seem to be the most sexually polluted industries. One of the most arresting instances of recent sexual assault allegations was that of Harvey Weinstein. Weinstein was accused by actress Rose McGowan of promising to further her career in exchange for sexual favors. Countless other actresses have since come forward with their own stories of being sexually abused and raped by Weinstein.
Weinstein served as a catalyst for the onslaught of following sexual abuse allegations. If a man as powerful as Harvey Weinstein would be forced to pay for his actions and the victims would be believed, then surely other victims choosing to speak out about their own experiences would have similar results.
Like the entertainment industry, the political world has become largely infected with sexual misconduct. Most notably, President Donald J. Trump himself was caught on tape, claiming he could grab women wherever he pleased. Trump then endorsed Roy Moore for Senate, despite Moore’s allegations of sexually touching and pursuing teenage girls. Former Senator Al Franken was accused of inappropriately touching and kissing a plethora of women. Fortunately, Moore lost the election and Franken resigned from his position as Senator.
Why is it that entertainment and politics are the most sexually polluted industries? Ultimately, it comes down to power. Often, men are placed into positions of power over women, making more money than women, and holding higher professional positions than women. Women often become subordinate to the men in these industries that can further these women’s careers. This then permits space for sexual abuse and misconduct to flourish in professional settings.
While the infinite number of sexual assault and misconduct claims recently brought to surface is staggering to say the least, the number of claims is a mark of progress amid a dark world, as victims are beginning to speak out against their abusers with increasing frequency. While Weinstein’s condemnation brought countless other sexual assault allegations to light, sexual assault is not a new issue. Sexual harassment and rape have been taking place since the beginning of time, but the American society is no longer willing to accept sexual misconduct as a normal occurrence.
Moving forward, we need to continue to eradicate the rape culture of American society. We need to believe victims, and we must force sexual abusers to face the consequences of their actions. We must take the power from the abusers and give the power back to the victims and survivors of these crimes. We need to speak out and demand change. We must not allow this to continue.
If you are a survivor of sexual assault or rape in need of support, please call 1-800-621-HOPE (4673) or visit www.safehorizon.org
Rachael Bindas is a freelance writer and editor from Pittsburgh, PA. She focuses mainly on fiction, but still harbors a deep love for poetry. Her work has been featured in Moledro Magazine, Aeons, The Curious Element Magazine, and The Holiday Cafe.
Musings for Moms: Winter Blahs
It's no secret that winter is not my favorite season. I'm not a fan of the cold weather and I really don't
like snow, or, more specifically, I don't like driving in the snow. But regardless, I live in Pittsburgh, where winter can be pretty cold and snowy—especially this past week where the morning temperature was 3° and I still had to go out and get to work and my boys needed to get to school.
How do you keep warm and safe in the cold weather when you need to go out into the elements? Here are some tips taken from American Red Cross on how to keep yourself and your house safe during the freezing cold months of winter:
Layer up! Wear several layers of lightweight clothing to stay warm. If you get too warm you can always take layers off, but if you're not wearing enough… Well, there is no going back. Gloves and a hat will help prevent losing your body heat as well as frostbite.
Check in on warmth. Tell children to come inside if they get wet or if they’re cold, just because they say they aren't cold - doesn't always mean they truly aren't. They just don't want to stop playing. Check for blue lips and chattering teeth. Keep watching them and checking in. They may prefer to continue playing outside even if they are wet or cold. It only takes 30 minutes for frostbite to set in.
Don’t forget your furry friends. Bring pets indoors. If they can’t come inside, make sure they have enough shelter to keep them warm and that they can get to food and have a water supply that isn't frozen.
Remember the three feet rule. If you are using a space heater, place it on a level, hard surface and keep anything flammable at least three feet away—things such as paper, clothing, bedding, curtains or rugs. Turn off space heaters and make sure fireplace embers are out before leaving the room or going to bed.
Don’t catch fire! If you are using a fireplace, use a glass or metal fire screen large enough to catch sparks and rolling logs. Embers fly—don't let a hot ember land on something that can catch fire.
Protect your pipes. Run water, even at a trickle, to help prevent your pipes from freezing. Open the kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to allow warmer air to circulate around the plumbing. Be sure to move any harmful cleaners and household chemicals out of the reach of children. Keep the garage doors closed if there are water lines in the garage. You can buy foam insulation tubes for your pipes to help as well. Never use an open flame to thaw out frozen pipes.
Better safe than sorry. Keep the thermostat at the same temperature day and night. Your heating bill may be a little higher, but you could avoid a more costly repair job if your pipes freeze and burst. The thought of calling in a plumber on an emergency, makes me cringe.
The stove is for cooking. Never use a stove or oven to heat your home. Carbon monoxide can fill your home if you use your stove as a heating source. Carbon monoxide is odorless, and can be deadly.
Generators use - only outside! Never operate a generator inside the home, including in the basement or garage. Generally, generators run off of gasoline which emits harmful fumes much like your vehicle.
Keep these tips in mind this winter and stay warm, stay dry, stay safe, and I'll see you in the spring!
Read more at http://www.redcross.org/news/article/Top-Ten-Red-Cross-Cold-Weather-Safety-Tips
How do you keep warm and safe in the cold weather when you need to go out into the elements? Here are some tips taken from American Red Cross on how to keep yourself and your house safe during the freezing cold months of winter:
Layer up! Wear several layers of lightweight clothing to stay warm. If you get too warm you can always take layers off, but if you're not wearing enough… Well, there is no going back. Gloves and a hat will help prevent losing your body heat as well as frostbite.
Check in on warmth. Tell children to come inside if they get wet or if they’re cold, just because they say they aren't cold - doesn't always mean they truly aren't. They just don't want to stop playing. Check for blue lips and chattering teeth. Keep watching them and checking in. They may prefer to continue playing outside even if they are wet or cold. It only takes 30 minutes for frostbite to set in.
Don’t forget your furry friends. Bring pets indoors. If they can’t come inside, make sure they have enough shelter to keep them warm and that they can get to food and have a water supply that isn't frozen.
Remember the three feet rule. If you are using a space heater, place it on a level, hard surface and keep anything flammable at least three feet away—things such as paper, clothing, bedding, curtains or rugs. Turn off space heaters and make sure fireplace embers are out before leaving the room or going to bed.
Don’t catch fire! If you are using a fireplace, use a glass or metal fire screen large enough to catch sparks and rolling logs. Embers fly—don't let a hot ember land on something that can catch fire.
Protect your pipes. Run water, even at a trickle, to help prevent your pipes from freezing. Open the kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to allow warmer air to circulate around the plumbing. Be sure to move any harmful cleaners and household chemicals out of the reach of children. Keep the garage doors closed if there are water lines in the garage. You can buy foam insulation tubes for your pipes to help as well. Never use an open flame to thaw out frozen pipes.
Better safe than sorry. Keep the thermostat at the same temperature day and night. Your heating bill may be a little higher, but you could avoid a more costly repair job if your pipes freeze and burst. The thought of calling in a plumber on an emergency, makes me cringe.
The stove is for cooking. Never use a stove or oven to heat your home. Carbon monoxide can fill your home if you use your stove as a heating source. Carbon monoxide is odorless, and can be deadly.
Generators use - only outside! Never operate a generator inside the home, including in the basement or garage. Generally, generators run off of gasoline which emits harmful fumes much like your vehicle.
Keep these tips in mind this winter and stay warm, stay dry, stay safe, and I'll see you in the spring!
Read more at http://www.redcross.org/news/article/Top-Ten-Red-Cross-Cold-Weather-Safety-Tips