Category: Lifestyle

Happy Halloween! Homemade Costume Ideas & Safety Tips!

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Happy Halloween from the Stromsoe Insurance Agency Team! With Halloween just a little over a week away, you may be rushing to get the right costume together for your kiddos. We understand this transition into the holiday season can be both an exciting and overwhelming time for parents, which is why we have gathered some Halloween costume ideas for you to try, as well as trick or treating safety tips so that you can have the perfect Halloween with your family:

Homemade Halloween Costume Ideas:

  • Mary had a little lamb: Simply dress your little tike in all black and then use fabric glue to attach cotton balls to their black leotard. You can quickly make the ears out of black felt.
  • Raining cats and dogs: Pick up a clear umbrella from your local store and use black cat and black dog stickers to cover the umbrella. Dress your kiddo up in their raincoat and rain boots and the look is perfected!
  • A vine of grapes: Simply pick up a bag of purple balloons filled up and use glue to cover your child in them.

Trick or Treating Safety Tips:

  • Always look both ways before crossing and be aware of your surroundings at all times.
  • Bring your cell phone with you just in case of an emergency, but do not make it a distraction.
  • Make sure that your child’s costume is made of nonflammable material and that vision is not obstructed. You may want to indulge in face paint to avoid costume masks. However, make sure that you test the face paint on a more remote location of their body to avoid an allergic reaction.

Happy Halloween from the Stromsoe Insurance Agency Team! Contact Stromsoe Insurance Agency in Murrieta for all of your California insurance needs. We will go above and beyond to insure every corner of your world!

7 Tips for for Back to School Preparation

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Each year, we begin summer by throwing our child’s backpacks and books in the closet, kicking back and, relaxing. Months of ignoring routine and enjoying the summer sun makes it nearly impossible to put ourselves back in school mode. Returning to your school time routine doesn’t have to be a hassle. Consider these 7 tips to prepare both you and your child for the next school semester:

  1. During the last week of summer before school begins, start bringing routine habits back into your daily lives. Bring back wake up times and bedtimes. Have your child get dressed for the day at the same time they would for school and have them eating during the same times as well.
  2. Since school gives children more responsibilities, give your child certain tasks that they will have to manage on their own to prepare them.
  3. If you don’t already have your launch pad in gear, you’ll want to designate a place for the essentials. To avoid early morning scrambles, have your child have a designated place for their lunch box and backpack.
  4. Establish a specific time each day where your child will complete their homework. It is smart to have your child do their homework during the time that you are cooking or finishing other household chores. This will make them more motivated to get it done since you’ll be standing over their shoulder.
  5. If your child’s school day ends before you are off of work, you’ll want to start deciding what their afternoon plans will be ahead of time. Whether you decide to enroll your child in an after-school program or arrange play dates with their friends, it is important that you get this out of the way before the night before the first day of school.
  6. As a working parent, it is important that you have a plan in place for when your child gets sick. You may need to fill out forms ahead of time to have a certain trusted person or babysitter pick your child up from school, just in case.
  7. Most importantly, make going back to school a family affair.

Stromsoe Insurance Agency is available for all of your California insurance needs. Contact us today and allow us to provide you with the peace of mind knowing your assets are adequately protected. We are available to answer any and all of your questions around the clock.

Why Fireworks On The 4th?

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If you have ever sat through an American history course, you are likely familiar with the story behind our country’s independence. On July 4th, 1776 the members of the Continental Congress gathered around Thomas Jefferson’s document, and endorsed the Declaration of Independence. Every year we celebrate this glorious day with the colors red, white, and blue- the colors of our nation’s flag. However, few know why we choose fireworks to commemorate the holiday!

Fireworks have had many uses throughout history. In China, they were first created for military purposes by attaching tiny packs of gunpowder to the end of a burning fire arrow. They were simply redesigned military weapons when first used for entertainment purposes. Fireworks grew in popularity at celebrations during the Renaissance era. Famous figures from history such as Peter the Great, and King Louis XIV were actually quite the firework connoisseurs.

But why did we begin to use them in America for this occasion? The reason is because of one man- John Adams, who would later go on to serve as our country’s president. Historians found a letter written from Adams to his wife, describing his plans for the July 4th celebration. His vision was made up of games, sports, bells, bonfires, and lastly a fireworks show. The first firework celebration was ignited on July 4th, 1777 in Pennsylvania. This was the one-year anniversary of America’s independence from Britain. The tradition has carried on, making it so that on the 4th, fireworks are heard everywhere from large cities to small suburban neighborhoods.

Stromsoe Insurance Agency would like to wish you, and your family a safe, and happy 4th!

Keep Your Kid’s Brains Active During Summer

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Children across the country are bursting through school doors, overjoyed to start their summer break. While it is great to give the kids a chance to recharge at the beginning of summer, it’s smart to make sure they spend time doing summer activities that keep their brain active. There are many fun, yet stimulating projects you can do with your kids all summer that you both will love. Here are a few examples:

  • Summer Reading Programs: There are many libraries throughout the country that offer summer reading programs. These programs are designed to help children find books that interest them enough to keep pursuing reading as a hobby. If an outside program does not sound like a good fit for your child, you can always propose an award system, which will reward them for spending a certain amount of time reading each day.
  • Indoor or Outdoor Science Exploration: Before going on a family camping trip, have your kids learn about what they might see at the location. If your family is not one to take vacations very often, look into purchasing a science kit. These kits are often disguised as toys, and the kids won’t even think of it as a learning tool!
  • Games That Make Them Move: Video games have been a controversial topic in the parenting world. However, games that require the kids to get up, and be active can actually improve their attention skills. Consider games such as Dance Dance Revolution, or Guitar Hero to help stimulate their brains. Board games are always a fun alternative if you are not sold on the game console idea.

As a parent, the last thing you want is your child to go back to school in the fall, and have to play catch up. It is important to make sure that the children actually enjoy the activities you choose, so that they will remain engaged.

Stromsoe Insurance Agency and their experienced insurance professionals, offer quality commercial and personal insurance policies. Stromsoe Insurance Agency is sure to meet all of your insurance needs!

How To Beat The Heat Illnesses In The Summer Heat

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We look forward to summer for so many reasons. It is now warm enough to lay out, take walks, have BBQs with close friends, and so much more. However, these hotter temperatures bring along with them the threat of heat illness. The term heat illness can be used to describe anything from muscle cramps, life-threatening heat stroke. It is important to recognize the signs and symptoms of a heat illness, and be aware of the outside temperature range that could put you at risk. Here are a few types of heat illnesses:

  • Heat Cramps: Someone experiencing heat cramps will likely start to experience muscle cramps in their calves or feet. Their muscles will feel tight, and skin will feel hot.
  • Heat Exhaustion: An individual with heat exhaustion will experience fatigue, nausea, dizziness, fainting, headaches, and a slow heartbeat. Their skin will feel cold and clammy. This condition requires immediate attention but is not a life-threatening ailment.
  • Heat Stoke: If a person is experiencing heat stroke they will require medical attention immediately, as it is a life-threatening condition. The person will feel nauseous, dizzy, tired, have a fast heart rate, shortness of breath, and may not be conscious. Their skin will feel hot, flushed, and dry as sweating has shut off.

To prevent the occurrence of any of these illnesses, it is important to stay hydrated, and be in the shade whenever possible. Here are the temperature ranges that you should be aware of when spending the day outside:

  • You should take extreme caution in temperatures above 90.
  • Temperatures above 98 are considered dangerous.
  • Extreme danger is defined as temperatures above 108.
  • Remember that with any percentage of humidity in the air, your risk will only go up. Be sure to facture in humidity when considering the day’s conditions.

Keep yourself safe this summer, and make sure you take the necessary measures to prevent heat illness. If you have any insurance related questions, don’t hesitate to contact Stromsoe Insurance Agency!

Getting your Home Summer Ready

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Summer is just around the corner, so it is a good idea to start summer-izing your home just as you winterized it a few months prior! There are a few things you need to start checking off your to do list to get you ready for the best season of the year. If you haven’t already done so, add these important items to your checklist:

  • Check your home’s cooling system – As a California resident, we typically turn on the air conditioning at the beginning of summer, or sometimes, the end of spring. You’ll want to make sure your air conditioner is prepared to handle the pressure. You may need to clean up the area surrounding the outdoor condensing unit, especially after the recent wind storms. It is also a good idea to change the filters in your system to make sure everything is working properly and the air is flowing smoothly. To ensure that you are saving all the air you are paying for, check the weather-stripping and caulking around the doors and windows.
  • Throw those down comforters, flannel sheets, and wool blankets to the back of your closet and take out the summery, cool sheets! With summer heat fast approaching, it is smart to get lightweight and cool bedding that will keep you comfortable and cozy.
  • Washing your windows will let the sunshine in and make your home feel more open and welcoming. Your home will feel as good as new!
  • After recent extreme wind, you may need to prepare and clean your patio. Hosing down all outdoor furniture and cleaning with a mild dish soap will have your patio sparkling with summer appeal.
  • You may want to take the eco-friendly approach and plant some summer vegetables in your garden this season. Healthy, fresh vegetables will be perfect grilled on the barbeque. Plants that thrive in hot weather such as tomatoes, cucumbers, lettuce, and basil, are perfect to grow in your garden and most require little maintenance.

The Stromsie Insurance Total Protection Team strives to give you the best services and prices. Contact the Stromsie Insurance Total Protection Team for all of your insurance inquiries.

Summer Time Pests

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Summer time brings sunshine and warm weather, but it can also bring new pests into your home. Making sure you have the right pest prevention plan can help save you from lots of headaches the come from the invasion of these pests.

Mosquitoes are one of the most annoying and dangerous summer time pests. They can carry many diseases including West Nile virus. They breed in shallow ponds and water-filled pots. Making sure to keep any standing water away from you house can keep the mosquitoes away.

Raccoons like to dig through your trash to find a tasty meal on hot summer nights. They create disturbances in the neighborhood and can leave large messes in your yard. Investing in heavy-duty trash can with a secure lid, or not putting the trash out the night before trash day can help cut down on raccoon activity.

Squirrels may seem cute from afar, but they can cause lots of damage in your home. They like to make their nests in the attics of houses and the eaves and overhangs of roofs. It is not only a little frightening hearing the scratching of a squirrel in your walls, but they are also known to carry diseases. Checking your attic and roof every so often can help alert you to any possible nests and help you deter them from moving in.

Stromsoe Insurance Agency would like to remind you to protect your house from any possible pests that can invade your house. There are plenty of professionals that can help if you are experiencing any problems. They would also like to remind you to make sure your homeowners insurance is up to date and to contact them for all your insurance needs.

The Safe Way to Dye and Hunt for Easter Eggs

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It will soon be time for egg dying and the much-anticipated Easter egg hunt. Here are some suggestions for a safe Easter Sunday:

  • Use natural dyes, such as purple grapes to create a lavender color for a safe alternative to chemical dyes. Recipes are available online.
  • Try using two sets of eggs: one set to decorate and hide and another set to eat. This reduces the possibility of salmonella poisoning. 
  • While hunting, stay inside of pre-determined boundary lines so children don’t get lost or hurt. 

Safety is of upmost importance for every family. Help protect that which is most important to you by contacting Stromsoe Insurance Agency . These caring professionals can guarantee the best price on the right coverage for businesses, cars, homes or even health and life insurance.

Make sure the children of Ranchos Damacitas also have a safe and happy Easter by providing a sponsorship that will afford an Easter celebration with goodies and dinner. Contact Andrea Wyatt at Temecula Valley New Generations Rotary for more information, (951) 239-4489.

Easy DIY Spring Projects for Your Home and Yard

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As the harsh Winter weather in the US gives way to the warmer temperatures of the Spring season, most people are ready for some simple, fun do-it-yourself projects. Here are a few suggestions for some simple, rewarding Spring projects to consider.

  • Spruce up your home with some new Spring color paint. Bring the outdoors (no, not the snow and cold) indoors by giving some walls new paint in Spring colors, such as some yellows, blues or blends of pastel shades. Inexpensive DIYs, you can make a bolder statement by just painting one wall of each room.
  • Get your deck and yard ready for warm weather fun. Clean up the Winter "debris" from your yard. Remove sticks and branches fallen from trees, the leaves you forgot to rake and other lawn ruffage. Clean your deck before you put your furniture on it. Deck cleaner is easy to apply and makes your deck look like new. If it needs new stain, now’s the time to DIY.
  • Start planting now. If you’re worried about Spring snow and cold, start your seedlings indoors. You can grow flowers, spices and other plants indoors until the weather warms for good.

You can find more inexpensive do-it-yourself projects to beautify your home and/or yard surfing the Internet. When you want valuable advice to protect your home and yard, contact the Stromsoe Insurance Agency, licensed in 18 states and helping thousands of clients sleep soundly, knowing they’re safe and secure.

Water Conservation Tips to Help You Through the Drought

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Despite recent rain and snow, the California drought continues. Governor Jerry Brown recently asked residents to cut personal water use by 20 percent. Fortunately, there are ways to do that without sacrificing your quality of life. These tips for conserving water can help you save gallons of water every day:

1. Put conservation devices called aerators on your bathroom faucets. Aerators mix air with water coming through the faucet to reduce water consumption.

2. Take showers instead of baths when possible and cut your usual shower time in half.

3. Install high-efficiency toilets that use less water for flushing.

4. Don’t leave faucets running when washing up, brushing teeth, cleaning dishes or other tasks.

5. Wait for full loads before you do laundry or run a dishwasher.

6. Follow local water regulations for outdoor sprinkling or watering. Run sprinklers for three-to-five minutes less when you water.

Despite several years of dry weather, most parts of California have not enforced strict water regulations. By following these water conservation tips you can do your part to make sure there’s enough water for everyone’s needs.

Stromsoe Insurance Agency can help California residents with their personal and business insurance needs. To learn more, contact us today!