If the thought of putting on a Thanksgiving spread for your family makes your heart palpitate, you’re not alone. A few years ago, iVillage.com conducted a survey where the majority of respondents admitted they’re not thrilled about the holiday.
Try the following tips on how to stress less at Thanksgiving and keep your sanity intact:
Lower your expectations
Shut down that Norman Rockwell scene in your head about what Thanksgiving should be. It’s never what you envision, yet you’re disappointed when it’s reaffirmed every year with your messy family dynamics. Why not just accept that you’ll be OK with that? Give thanks for what is, not what should be.
Don’t try and do it all
Do you really need a turkey, 3 kinds of potatoes, 7 side dishes and an assortment of pies? Do you have the time or energy to do all that? Simplify. You can still make a nice meal without going overboard and you’ll have more time to spend with your guests vs. racing around the kitchen hating your life.
Start new traditions
Just because your family has done something one way for years, doesn’t mean you have to continue doing it that way, especially if it makes you miserable. Dine out, or volunteer at a homeless shelter or soup kitchen. Change it up.
Start the day right
Before everything gets too out of hand, take some time for you. Sit quietly and meditate upon awakening. Get your workout crossed off your list. Take part in a local walk/run event to set a healthy tone for the day.
Let it go
People are who they are: flawed human beings with their own expectations, coping mechanisms and issues. You can choose to get sucked into their drama or you can save yourself some grief and just let it go. Be the bigger person, the adult. Don’t engage in drama, because no one wins. You’ll be glad you did.
Do you have any suggestions on how to stress less at Thanksgiving? Let me know in the comments!
Has your bathroom faucet seen better days? Whether it leaks or it’s just plain ugly, a new faucet may be in order. If the project seems daunting and you’re not a plumber, don’t despair. Replacing your bathroom faucet doesn’t take a lot of time or money, especially when you follow these tips for installing a bathroom faucet.
Before you begin, you’ll need to figure out what type of faucet to buy: single hole, center-set, widespread mount or wall mount. You should choose a finish that matches the other hardware in the room, unless you plan to update all the hardware. Most sinks have three holes to accommodate a center spout and two valves on either side that the handles attach to. The distance between the holes will determine what size faucet will fit on the sink.
This will help you determine which type of fixture to choose.
When you’re ready to begin, turn off the water supply. Most likely, the valves are located under the sink. If they aren’t, turn off the water at the main valve. Finally, turn on the faucet to relieve water pressure left in the lines. You will then want to disconnect the supply lines from the faucet (using a basin wrench) as well as the lift rod. Remove the nuts from under the faucet.
The next thing you’ll want to do is disconnect the drain. Get a bucket and put it underneath to catch any water in the trap and unscrew the slip nut on the P-trap. Disconnect the drain flange from the tailpiece by unscrewing it. Clean around faucet holes before the next step, which is to install the new faucet.
When installing the new faucet, follow the manufacturer’s instructions. If it’s not pre-assembled, you might have to attach the handles.
Other tips:
Gather all necessary tools and supplies before beginning your project.
Don’t over-tighten bolts, especially if you have porcelain sink. It could crack.
Use vinegar or an acid cleaner to remove water deposits on the sink before installing your new faucet.
For step-by-step instructions on replacing your faucet, check out this comprehensive article which includes illustrations.
