Spring Has Sprung!!

March 20th is the vernal equinox, the first day of spring in the Northern Hemisphere. It also marks the end of "the winter that wasn't," as the past several months in North America have been dubbed. It was the fourth-warmest winter in the United States since record-keeping began 117 years ago. In accord with the unusual weather, this turn of the season brings us snow in Arizona and Saudi Arabia, while conditions remain sunny and warm in America's Northeast and Western Europe. Collected here are scenes from around the world as a strange winter gives way to spring.

(http://www.theatlantic.com/infocus/2012/03/the-first-day-of-spring/100266/)

This year Easter falls on Sunday, March 31^st. Whether you are still searching for your Easter basket, or spending the day with family and friends, here are some great ideas for some crafts! Please visit the following websites to enjoy some Easter fun!

http://www.bhg.com/holidays/easter/crafts/

http://crafts.kaboose.com/holidays/easter/

http://www.marthastewart.com/274529/easter-table-crafts-and-favors/@center/276968/easter

Valentine's Day Romance!

Looking for a romantic song to sweep your significant other off their feet? Looking to make a lasting impression on your sweetheart? Look no farther! Here is a list of the top 10 love songs to help you out this Valentine’s Day!

1. Unchained Melody - Righteous Brothers

2. Unforgettable - Nat King Cole

3. Maybe I'm Amazed - Paul McCartney

4. When a Man Loves a Woman - Percy Sledge

5. Your Song - Elton John

6. Woman - John Lennon

7. How Deep Is Your Love - The Bee Gees

8. You're the Inspiration - Chicago

9. My Heart Will Go On - Celine Dion

10. I Will Always Love You - Dolly Parton

(http://top10.wikia.com/wiki/Love_Songs_of_All_Time)

Orchard Park Winter Events!

We are officially two weeks into winter and Mother Nature has reared her beautifully hideous head. Are you getting cabin fever yet? Are you looking for something to do to pass the winter time? Orchard Park and the surrounding areas have a lot of fun events coming up on the community calendar. Check out Visit Buffalo Niagara for their calendar of events for some great winter-time activities! Between the festivals, the classes, the exhibits, and even the free ice skating, you’re sure to find something the whole family can enjoy!

Homemade Christmas Cards

Temperatures are falling and so is the snow. Are you trying to find a fun craft project for you and your children to do while warming up from the cold? Grab a cup of hot cocoa because we have found a fun and easy way to make your own Christmas cards. Check out this video and you’ll be having fun in no time!!

We hope that everyone has a safe and happy holiday!!

Thanksgiving Oranged Cranberry Sauce Recipe

Is anyone looking for a great cranberry sauce recipe for Thanksgiving? I have scoured my favorite website for the tastiest sounding cranberry sauce…and this one won by a landslide. It’s simple and sounds delicious! If you cook it for Thanksgiving, let us know what your thoughts are about it!

Oranged Cranberry Sauce

Ingredients: (Original recipe makes 24 servings)

·     2 (12 ounce) packages fresh cranberries

·     1 orange, zested

·     3 cinnamon sticks

·     2 cups orange juice

·     2 cups packed brown sugar

Directions

1.    In a medium saucepan, combine cranberries, orange zest, cinnamon, orange juice, and brown sugar. Add enough water to cover, and bring to a boil over high heat. Immediately reduce heat, and simmer for about 1 hour, or until the sauce has thickened. Taste for sweetness, and adjust with additional sugar if necessary. You can not overcook, so continue cooking until you have a good thick consistency. Let mixture cool, then refrigerate in a covered container.

It's Time For Our Annual Halloween Party!

It’s time for our annual Halloween Party!! This year our party will be held on Saturday, October 27^th from 2pm-4pm. We will have trick or treating on the property from 2pm-3pm and then everyone will meet back at the clubhouse for pizza and ghostly goodies from 3pm-4pm. If you plan on attending in the fun of the trick or treating, please leave your outside light on.

Invitations will be going out next week!! Make sure you RSVP by October 19^th so we can have enough ghostly goodies for everyone!! 

We are looking forward to seeing all of the ghosts, goblins and other fun costumes this year. Everyone is welcome!!!

Preparing Parents for Back to School

 It’s almost time to send your children back to school! It’s not only time for your children to prepare for school but parents, it’s time for you to prepare as well.

I have been browsing the Orchard Park school’s website. Parents, did you know that they have a bullying prevention link on their website? It’s sad that bullying has become so common in schools these days but at least schools are helping to prevent it and are helping to give feedback on how to cope and bring it to light.

I recommend any parent and student alike to take time and look at all of the information on their website. Parents, they have a lot of very helpful information to help you help your children in any bullying situation.

-Darla Watson, Leasing Consultant at The Hammocks at Orchard Park