Tool Kit for Your Apartment

You never know when you need to fix something in your apartment.  Whether it is a loose screw or installing a light, you will need tools to take care of emergencies.  Here is a great list of a took kit that everyone needs in their apartment.

When it comes time to move, a good toolkit is a must have. Whether you're taking measurements, hanging artwork, or assembling furniture, there are a few items you'll want to have on hand.
After I graduated college my dad put together a basic toolbox for me, which at the time I didn't think I'd have much use for. Little did I know how useful it would become as I bounced around from one apartment to the next. I've found that one of the most convenient aspects of a toolbox is having everything in one location, so that come time to take on a project I know exactly where to find (or at least look for) what I need. While there are many ways to beef up your toolbox, these 10 items are a great place to start:


• Tape Measure
• Hammer
• Screwdriver
• Level
• Box Cutter
• Stud Finder
• Pliers
• Cutting Pliers
• Saw
• Flashlight
Renting in the city, where space is limited, makes a compact and useful toolkit quite advantageous. One of the more highly used items I've added is an assortment of nails, screws, hooks and small accessories. Often these pieces are left over from purchasing in bulk and not needed again for some time. Throw the extras in your toolbox, so you're not repurchasing every time you move or need to hang something on the wall.
 
For more information see Apartment Therapy.

A Healthy Back to School Breakfast

Grabbing a quick snack might be routine for kids going back to school, but everyone wants their family to be healthier.  There is a way to do both quick and healthy, and you will make your kids happy at the same time.  It is all about preparation, and working ahead of time.  Here are some great tips and recipes to give your family that balanced healthy breakfast every morning.

Getting kids to eat a healthy breakfast can be a next to impossible task. Depending on their ages and morning moods, we might be lucky to get a glass of instant breakfast drink into our kids before they're out the door. No matter what their ages, it can a real chore to lure kids to the breakfast table!

Kids going to school need breakfast but often balk at the thought of eating in their morning rush out the door. Kids really want to do their best! Let your kids know why breakfast is important, and how it will make a difference in how they do in school. Ask them to take part in the grocery shopping or help with the shopping list.

Like adults, kids have different tastes, and they know what they like. Some kids like cold cereal, some like hot, while others turn up their nose at any cereal and choose a donut or muffin. Pre-made breakfast bars are another alternative, but be sure to check the labels for nutritional value and consider making your own.

Breakfast Preparation Tips:

·  A breakfast casserole takes a little time to prepare but it can be done the evening before then refrigerated. Pop it in the oven in the morning for 45 minutes while everyone is getting ready and you have a quick and nutritious breakfast!

·  Set the breakfast table the night before, even if it's only for juice and cereal.

·  French toast is another quick and easy breakfast, and a sure kid-pleaser. Add a little cinnamon to the egg batter for variety. Cut into shapes for younger children.

·  Keep pancake or waffle batter in the refrigerator, ready to pour on the griddle.

·  If you like to bake, you might keep a supply of muffins in the freezer, ready to warm in the microwave.

·  Try making your own nutritious granola and granola bars.

·  Quesadillas or breakfast burritos just might appeal to the "grab-it-and-run" types.

·  Pizza for breakfast? English muffin pizzas sprinkled with cheese and microwaved are a hit with most kids.

·Almost anything can be sandwiched in a biscuit; scrambled eggs, sausage patty, a small chicken patty, or a slice of ham with cheese melted on top are just a few ideas.

For more information see About.com

Softball Tournament Features Local Hometown Athlete.

A decorated athlete, all-star student, and local girl came back to participate in a pitching demonstration and fundraiser last Saturday.  You can learn more Michelle Gascoigne and the fundraiser in the article below.

It’s OK to “throw like a girl” if you can pitch like Michelle Gascoigne.

Not only is she one of the most decorated Benicia High School athletes, Gascoigne pitched a perfect game Feb. 10, 2011, for the University of Oklahoma softball team.

How does she do it? Folks who want to see her technique can do so Saturday in Community Park during the inaugural Firefighters 1186 Charitable One-Pitch Softball Tournament and Barbecue.

Gascoigne, currently in town to visit her parents, Gary and Lorri Gascoigne, is preparing to enter her senior year at the Norman, Okla., university where she’s majoring in elementary education.

When she learned about the charity fundraiser, which will help victims of fires and other disasters, she decided to “pitch in” — literally.

Gascoigne needed permission from OU to participate, but was anxious to share her talent at the firefighters’ charity event.

She said she developed an affinity for community involvement through her participation in OU’s Student Athletic Advisory Committee, of which she’ll be president this fall. “I’m increasingly involved, and increasing my love for it,” she said.

Gascoigne’s love of softball, coincidentally, started in the same park at which she’ll give her pitching demonstration.

Like other activities at the tournament, the demonstration will give spectators an opportunity to fill a firefighter boot with donations. Watching players, dining on barbecue, getting your face painted — all will be done near the familiar, large boots that firefighters use to collect contributions.

Members of Firefighters Local 1186 decided to organize the event to raise money for the families and other victims of fires and other calamities.

Vallejo Fire Department firefighter-paramedic Jason Welsh said members of his and other fire departments know how to extinguish fires and handle other disasters, but have wanted to help the victims left behind to deal with the aftermath when fire trucks and emergency vehicles pull away.

Community Park was where Gascoigne first learned how to play softball at age 5. By the time she was 7, she told her parents she wanted to be a pitcher.

Her love for the game has never waned.

“I had a good coach who taught me good mechanics,” she said.

Being a left-hander gave her an edge, but it was her training that helped her stick with the game. She cultivated a “short memory” that let her get past a bad throw and focus on her next pitch.

She also learned what to do when things aren’t going well in a game.

“You don’t always have your good stuff,” she said. “But you learn to win when you don’t have your best stuff.” The key? “Being crafty!”

Her parents are proud that their 21-year-old daughter has continued her success. “She is Benicia High School’s most decorated player,” her father said. She played basketball, volleyball and other sports at the school, not just softball.

She was chosen the 2009 Female Athlete of the Year; the previous year she was the Softball Player of the Year.

Gascoigne helped her team reach sectional playoffs for four seasons, and she was chosen the most valuable player each time. She finished her Benicia High School career with 1,026 strikeouts and an earned-run average of 0.34. She had 52 shutouts in high school.

Meanwhile, she maintained a 4.0 grade point average her junior and senior years, and made the Principal’s Honor Roll seven of eight semesters.

Over the last three years Gascoigne has made her mark at OU in much the same way she did in Benicia.

She was named to the 2011 Academic All-Big 12 first team, and her perfect game — only the seventh in the university’s history — gave OU an 8-0, five-inning win over Appalachian State.


For more information see the Benicia Herald.

A Taste of First

Will you be a taster at this years A Taste of First Street?  Take a walk down first street in Benicia, and you can sample many of the First Street restaurants.  A limited number of tickets will be sold so you must purchase early.  They tickets can be purchased at Benicia Main Street, 90 First Street or online. 


A Taste of First Street will return to Benicia on Tuesday, August 28th from 6-9 pm! With Downtown Benicia providing the beautiful setting, "Tasters" can enjoy a stroll down First Street and have a nibble at many of Benicia's favorite First Street restaurants.

Participants are encouraged to secure their tickets early as only 300 tickets will be sold! Tickets are $30 per adult or 2 for $55 and can be purchased at Benicia Main Street, 90 First Street, or online here (ticket prices will go up the day of Taste to $35 per adult or 2 for $65). Don't miss your chance to get a bite of Downtown Benicia's tasty array of fine restaurants!

For more information check out Benica Main Street.

Benicia Main Street's Taste of First Street

Taste of First Street will return to Benicia on Tuesday, August 28th from 6-9 pm! With Downtown Benicia providing the beautiful setting, "Tasters" can enjoy a stroll down First Street and have a nibble at many of Benicia's favorite First Street restaurants.