ShopRTO

sm-fbsm-twittersm-youtube

Holidays & Celebrations

DIY Easter Baskets

By

Decorative Easter baskets

How to build a one-of-a-kind Easter basket.

Easter Sunday is approaching and if you know or have any children who are hyped about the annual Easter egg hunt, consider gifting them an Easter basket this holiday. When I was kid I always looked forward to receiving a basket, going through all the fillers and then eagerly waiting for the green light for the much anticipated Easter egg hunt.

If you plan on gifting an Easter basket you have two options – you can purchase a pre-made basket or you can make one yourself. Creating your very own Easter basket provides you with the opportunity to personalize the gift, making it extra special. Another great part of making your own Easter basket is that it lets you determine how much money you want to spend. So, if you’re looking for an inexpensive gift, this is it.

Here are some tips on how to make a one-of-a-kind Easter basket:

First, you’ll need a basket. You can find a variety of baskets out there and it’s likely that most stores are stocked with baskets this time of year. Try your local craft store for inexpensive finds. If you want to go a different route than the traditional basket with handle, try a canvas tote. Kids might be able to hold a tote better over their shoulder than a basket. Using a tote will allow the recipient to use it for more than just an Easter egg hunt too!

Next you’ll need some fun fillers. Think about what the recipient may be interested in at the moment – a certain Disney princess, cartoon character, snack, movie, etc. You can even go as far as making it a themed basket. This will also give you the chance to introduce something new to the recipient. Maybe there was a movie from your childhood that you adored and want to share it with them, include that DVD so you can it enjoy together.

Easter baskets don’t have to be filled with candy, get creative and maybe toss a toothbrush with their favorite character on it instead. Or instead of chocolate bars try a package of cookie mix with a cookie cutter in the shape of a bunny or chick that allows the child to interact with an adult and have some fun. Fruit can also be a fun and healthy filler.

Once you have all of your fillers, place them in the basket and see how much room you have. Remove items and fill the basket with Easter grass that can also be found at your craft store. Lay it along the bottom and arrange your fillers so they’re well presented. You can go the extra mile and wrap the entire basket with Easter themed cellophane or tie a ribbon bow to the handle.

Whatever you decide to do, any child would be thrilled to receive a basket this year so don’t hold back and get started!

Just another ShopRTO Lifestyle and Holiday Tip.

ShopRTO provides consumers home living and decorating tips and rent to own as a shopping option for affordable home furniture and more.

Some Easter decorating ideas

By

Easter egg decorations

Some Easter decorating ideas.

The Easter bunny is hopping down your bunny trail so it’s time for some Easter decorating ideas and to get festive. When it comes to Easter home decorations, you have the themes of rabbits, eggs, flowers, pastels with a fun and lively flare.

Let’s start with eggs. There are so many different ways to decorate them. If you don’t like to dye then go sparkles. Mix the glue with the sparkles then brush on. Some people use permanent markers. Then there’s cloth patterns you can glue on. Use the Japanese Washi tape that have all sorts of designs. Cut them in different angles and stick them on.

Then there’s the traditional dyeing. That means all bets are off in so many different directions. Go the reliable and old fashioned way of 8 drops of food coloring in 1 cup of hot water and 1/4 cup of vinegar. Make sure the eggs are fully dry after dyeing before you try the next dye for that egg.

With the left over dye, dye some pages from an old book you’re never going to use and create homemade Easter wreaths. Use the equivalent of a 1/2 page and wrap into cones then paste together to create a ring on a paper plate then elaborate however you see fit. Or cut the pages into vertical strips and glue around the paper plate in whatever design you can imagine. Make sure you cut a hole in the middle of the paper plate or color it or put glitter on it. You can always take those strips of dyed paper and glue or tape them into rings and create an Easter paper chain to hang over the windows, doors or where ever inside. All of these tips are great for the kids to do.

How about an Easter door decoration using an umbrella turned upside down then filling with flowers? Never would have thought of that one. Got that one from Better Homes and Garden. On that note, outside door decorations can be used in so many ways. Use an Easter basket filled with flowers is the most festive and cost effective. Colored yarn is also good to add to Easter decorations.

These are just some ideas to get you started and make sure to check out our DIY Easter Basket tips. Just remember to color it up through dyed eggs, flowers, home crafty designs, bunny rabbits and don’t forget the chocolate!

Just another ShopRTO Holiday Tip.

ShopRTO provides consumers home living and decorating tips and rent to own as a shopping option for affordable home furniture and more.

Simple tips on a great Super Bowl party

By

Make your super bowl party special

Easy party planning tips!

Having friends over for the Brady vs Ryan Super Bowl slugfest? Well we hope it’s a slug fest. And we hope you’re ready. Here are some really simple tips to help feed and drink your guests for the evening spectacle.

Ask friends to bring dishes. That’s real easy. And make sure they’re all heavy appetizers. Make’s it easy, fun and with lots to choose if you have guests with varying tastes.

Another good and easy tip is use a crockpot! They’re great for all kinds of meatballs, chill and thick soups. Have your friends bring their crockpots as well. Throw the ingredients in there at noon and by the game they’re ready for the taking. Here’s a good site for all sorts of crockpot recipes.

Get a big plate of cold cuts, cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, onion, fixing with slider rolls. Small, bite-size sandwiches are easy to maneuver, easy to eat and allow room for all of the other nibbles. And, they’re easy to make or have guests make.

Use pillsbury crescent dough to wrap around sausages, bacon, cheese, shrimp, etc. Hey, this article didn’t say healthy tips for a great super bowl party. Here’s a good site for quick appetizers for the party.

Get large disposable cups for drinks. People will be walking around so smaller cups offer more opportunities for those drinks to spill. Larger cups contain much better. And use the cups for those crockpot soups but they have to be thick cups designed for hot liquids. There are bio-degradable cups out there so you get the proper cups but do not hurt the environment.

Have ice chests or buckets to put canned or bottled drinks. If you’re up north, you probably won’t need ice. Just put them outside.

Always have plenty of trash cans and bags ready and monitor them. You’d be amazed how quickly they fill up and how little guests will help or alert you that your trashcan is full. Designate bags or cans for recyclables. Have plenty of to-go bags or containers for guests to take home any left-overs.

Have established games and prizes. The best are wagers. Whoever can predict the final scores or scores by each quarter. Who can predict total points. Have a football squares game going on. Those are the best ways to get those non-football fans to enjoy the game.

To make a really great Super Bowl party rent a really big screen at a rent to own store. They also have furniture and refrigerators if you need any extra of those.

Make sure there are designated drivers or be ready to call cabs for those guests who need them.

Just another ShopRTO Lifestyle and Holiday tip. Yes, we are designating Superbowl Sunday as a holiday. So shoot us, Okay!

ShopRTO provides consumers home living and decorating tips and when rent to own makes your Superbowl party, the party.

USDA advises food safety on Super Bowl Sunday

By

USDA issues super bowl food safety

Practice safe cooking this weekend

The United Sates Department of Agriculture issued a press release highlighting the importance of food safety this Sunday. Nothing goes better with the big game than food so take a look and keep your guests in mind this weekend.

Avoid a Food Safety Penalty This Super Bowl Sunday

En Español

Congressional and Public Affairs
Media Inquiries (202) 720-9113
Consumer Inquiries 1-888-674-6854

WASHINGTON, Feb. 1, 2016 – The Super Bowl is already the most-watched television program in the United States, and this year’s 50th game is sure to take the experience to a whole new level. The game (or the ads) may be the main event, but the food usually steals the show. With more than 1.3 billon chicken wings and 4 million pizzas expected to be eaten during the big game, there are plenty of opportunities for a food safety penalty to occur.

“This Super Bowl Sunday, sports fans across the U.S. will have a great time watching the game with friends and family, while sharing some of our favorite foods that we are fortunate in this country to enjoy,” said Deputy Under Secretary for Food Safety Al Almanza. “A long game and a big crowd means more opportunities for food poisoning, but some easy precautions can go far in preventing illness.”

To keep you and your guests’ food safe this Super Bowl, USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service has pulled together the following key food safety plays.

  • To escape a delay of game, use effective clock management with your food. Perishable foods should not be kept at room temperature for more than two hours. Switch out these items during half time to prevent the same foods from sitting out the whole game.
  • Avoid a holding call by keeping hot food hot and cold food cold. Food should remain at a safe temperature and out of the “Danger Zone.” The Danger Zone is the temperature range between 40 °F and 140 °F where bacteria multiply rapidly.
  • Avoid a false start by using a food thermometer to ensure that meat and poultry are cooked to a safe internal temperature.
    • Raw beef, pork, lamb and veal should be cooked to 145°F with a three minute rest time.
    • Raw ground beef, pork, lamb, and veal should be cooked to 160 °F.
    • All cuts of poultry should reach at least 165 °F.
  • Many cooks think they can finish their cooking play in the kitchen by checking the color and texture of meat or poultry. The only way to safely know if cooking is over and food is ready to eat is by using a food thermometer.
  • Prevent an illegal use of the hands by making sure to thoroughly wash your hands before starting to prepare food, after handling any raw meat or poultry and trash, and after finishing cooking. Thoroughly wash hands by using hot water and soap for at least 20 seconds. “Splashing and dashing” doesn’t count.

Don’t let foodborne illness intercept your plans for the biggest Super Bowl ever celebrated.

Learn more about key food safety practices at foodsafety.gov and on Twitter @USDAFoodSafety. Consumers with questions about food safety, can call the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at 1-888-MPHotline (1-888-674-6854) or chat live with a food safety specialist at AskKaren.gov, available from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Eastern Time Monday through Friday, in English or Spanish.

Just another ShopRTO Lifestyle and Holiday tip. Yes, we are designating Superbowl Sunday as a holiday.

ShopRTO provides consumers home living and decorating tips and when rent to own makes your Superbowl party, the party.

DIY this Valentine’s Day

By

DIY Valentines Day gift ideas

Simple and thoughtful gifts for your Valentine.

Love is in the air and Valentine’s Day is just a few days away, are you ready? If not, no worries! We have got you covered with some very easy and thoughtful D.I.Y ideas. Trust us, even if you’re not the craftiest person we’re sure you’ll find something suitable for your skills and your valentine.

Put it in a mason jar.
By now we have all witnessed the mason jar trend – water glasses at dinner, the salad-in-a-jar your coworker brought for lunch and now a one-of-a-kind Valentine’s Day gift! We love the four different takes Paper + Craft Pantry take with providing a mason jar gift for your bestie, your guy, your furbaby and yourself. We also love that the mason jar gift can be applied to any occasion and might even inspire the receiver to create one themselves.

Handwritten Valentines.
This takes me back to kindergarten where we’d sit around with scissors, construction paper, markers and glitter to design our very own valentine but really, when was the last time you made one? Don’t worry, I did preface this list with saying the ideas were “easy” so if creating your own valentine is intimidating to you, head over to Better Homes and Gardens for some free printable valentines. They have a wonderful selection from the classic accordion-style valentines to witty illustrations.

A Pill box.
Yes, a Monday through Friday pill box. The type that flips up and has space for vitamins, pills or in this case candy! The Dating Divas came up with a really cute idea for a Valentine’s Day gift with their “Seven Days of Love” pillbox. Each day is filled with candy and a message. The Dating Divas also provide you with a free printable download of the messages so all you have to do is print, snip and place.

Put a ring on it.
Not that kind of ring, a binder ring! The Thinking Closet and Everything Sunny Always created two different styles of affectionate mini-books. The Thinking Closet has a “12 Months of Pre-planned Dates” that also comes along with a free printable template while Everything Sunny Always uses a deck of cards for a mini-book to illustrate “52 Reasons I love You”. Both mini-books are fastened by binder rings you can pick up at any craft store, online or you can also use ribbon or twine as an alternative.

The Beatles were right, we do get by with a little help from our friends… our crafty, blog friends.

Just another ShopRTO Lifestyle and Holiday Tip.

ShopRTO provides consumers home living and decorating tips and rent to own as a shopping option for affordable home furniture and more.

Untraditional Valentine’s Day ideas

By

Untraditional Valentine's Day ideas

Do something nice for someone this Valentine’s Day.

Valentine’s Day falls on a Tuesday this year and what better way to enjoy it than sharing love with those around you. Albeit, the holiday boasts romantic sentiments for couples but who says you can’t dedicate the day to simply exuding love and compassion to everyone or everything around you?

Here are some untraditional ways to spend this Valentine’s Day.

Volunteer your time.
Whether it’s at a homeless shelter, serving up lunch or dinner plates at a soup kitchen, nursing home or at an animal shelter volunteers are always needed. Drop into a local nonprofit and lend a hand and a warm smile. Not only will those being helped that day appreciate it but the full-time staff as well.

Thank volunteers.
If you’re not able to volunteer your time, thank those who do. Send a “thank you” valentine or flowers to a local shelter or fire department. Get creative and make a Valentine’s Day donation in lieu of volunteer time and express your gratitude that way.

Be a friend.
 Valentine’s Day isn’t dubbed “Singles Awareness Day” for nothing. There might be a few people going through hardships and experiencing a heavier heart than usual this time of year. Reach out and propose an outing or at the very least let them know they are on your mind. When is the last time you visited with your grandparents? Give them a call, help them run an errand or just have a sweet visit. Einstein said, “The best way to cheer yourself is to cheer somebody else up.” He was a smart guy.

Exercise.
Take some time to bring that love back to yourself. Go for a run, a hike or take a yoga class. Spreading any kind of love starts with you so treat your body to a good workout and get those endorphins on the rise.

Make extras.
If you’re preparing baked goods, treat bags or valentines for the office, your son’s and/or daughter’s classmates or your friends – make extra. Have them on hand and give them to strangers throughout the day. Although you might feel crazy, the smallest of acts such as these can bring the biggest smile to their faces.

Valentine’s Day isn’t just about sharing love to one person. Everyone deserves to feel special so give back in any way you can. At the end of the day you’ll be surprised on how much cheer you really gained.

Just another ShopRTO Lifestyle and untraditional Holiday Tip.

ShopRTO provides consumers home living and decorating tips and rent to own as a shopping option for affordable home furniture and more.

Make a special Valentine’s Day at home

By

Home lifestyle tips for Valentine's day

Make a special Valentine’s day at home.

As long as you make Valentine’s day special then it doesn’t matter where you spend it. So why not make it special at home?

No waits, crowds or loud noises. And it might be different than the traditional going out thus making a home Valentine’s day the special one.

If you’re going to stay home and don’t want to look cheap or lazy then you better make it special so use these tips to guide you.

Start off with breakfast in bed. Breakfast in bed is being treated like royalty. But, make sure you use the good china, have a pretty flower and cloth napkins. Placing a nice or cute photo of you two or the family on the tray is always a sweet and personal touch.

Have a fireside picnic. Move the coffee table or small table close to the fireplace. Place a nice table cloth over and serve as fine dining. If you don’t have a fireplace then use candles and be smart with the design with different sizes or types. Scented candles are nice too. Utilize roses of course.

Rose pedals. Sprinkle rose pedals on the table or on the pathway to the bedroom or bathroom for the nice bath. Rose pedals on top of a nice, hot bath that you prepare makes a special gesture. There are many creative ways to use rose pedals and represents the perfect touch for the day.

Music. Make sure you turn all TVs off and play some music. Make a special playlist on the IPod that represent the music you two love along with some good ole fashioned love songs.

Have conversation. And not about the upcoming basketball game that your spouse cares nothing about. Re-live wonderful memories or talk about future ones such as planning a fun vacation. The key to a special conversation is to plan it. You obviously cannot script it but you can always plan the themes that will dictate an intimate conversation.

Make it personal. It’s one thing to have all of the Valentine Day icons but making it personal means it’s really special. One way is to create or find the photo album and have it laying on coffee table, couch or some place strategic. Take a walk down memory lane and watch the return on investment you’ll get that will way outweigh any flowers bought.

These are just a few tips to spending a wonderful Valentine’s day at home. Just remember that the real key is to make it personal and put the right amount of effort to demonstrate that your loved one is truly special to you.

Just another ShopRTO Lifestyle and Holiday Tip.

ShopRTO provides consumers home living and decorating tips and rent to own as a shopping option for affordable home furniture and more.

Rent the Super Bowl big screen TV at rent to own stores

By

Rent an HD for Superbowl Sunday

Are you ready for the Super bowl?

The big game is coming up. The biggest of the year – the Super Bowl. And that means Super Bowl parties and making that party even bigger by renting a big screen HD TV at your local rent to own store.

Most people don’t understand that rent to own can be just a rental with no obligation to own. That’s why rent to own stores are so busy these two weeks. I bet those rent to own stores in Boston and Atlanta are going to be real busy. But it’s the Super Bowl so if you don’t like football, you can watch their famous commercials and Lady Gaga. And some other surprise entertainer will show up. Who knows this year.

Which means, your Super Bowl party needs an upgrade to a 55″, 60″, 70″ or a 4K Ultra High Definition Smart TV. Most rent to own stores carry those sizes but each store is different so do your homework prior. And, start now. You can rent them by the week, two weeks or the month. Rent for one month and enjoy big screen fun beyond just the Super Bowl.

And rent to own stores make it easy by delivering, setting it up then coming back to take it off your hands. Or keep renting until March madness is over or exercise the early purchase option and make it permanent.

Super Bowl is on Sunday, February 5th at 5:30 PM so make sure you order now. So get your party favorites and invites out now. And start the party early so you can fully enjoy the pre-game hype, analysis and entertainment then see if Tom Brady will further cement himself as the greatest quarterback in NFL history or will Matt Ryan add his name to the NFL elite.

Just another ShopRTO Lifestyle, Rent to Own and Holiday tip. Yes, we are designating Superbowl Sunday as a holiday. So shoot us, Okay.

ShopRTO provides consumers home living and decorating tips and when rent to own makes your Superbowl party, the party.

It’s time for Christmas movie time!

By

No better fun than good Christmas movies

It’s Christmas movie time!

It’s cold. Santa’s getting closer. Time off for the holidays so that means it’s  Christmas movie time.

So here’s some great ones to line up for a double feature or triple feature if you start during the day. Or, heck, two double feature or triple feature nights. Some like to do it Christmas eve then Christmas day. Or, how about Christmas movies all December long! No matter what, here are some must-sees.

You have to watch at least one of the many ‘Christmas Carol’ versions. Try some different ones like “Scrooged” with Bill Murray. A comic twist on a classic Christmas tale of finding the goodness that should be, should have been and now will be. The other different one is the musical “Scrooge” with Albert Finney. The music is good. It’s definitely broadway music so be forewarned. Tells the story great with a bit of humor, introspection, lots of emotions ending with a good one.

Another non-traditional is the Griswald’s “A Christmas Vacation”. Make sure the kids are little older. It’s one funny movie wrapped in a classic Chevy Chase bow.

Then there’s a “Christmas Story” with Ralphie. Another clever and humorous twist on the joy of Christmas as a little boy. Someone didn’t secure the rights to that movie so it is played on a 24-hour rotation on some channels so that’s an easy one to get.

Another easy one to get on TV is “It’s a Wonderful Life”. They obviously didn’t secure the rights there either so take advantage of that classic. It’s played a billion times over for a reason.

Then you can lump some of the cartoon classics together for one sitting with the kids. That’s “Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer”, “How the Grinch Stole Christmas”, “Frosty the Snowman” and “A Charlie Brown Christmas”.

Another odd but good one is the “Nightmare Before Christmas”. It’s a cult classic that has become a true classic. It’s  as much of a Halloween movie as a Christmas movie. A very unique story, strange and lovable Halloween monster characters and great music.

You can go goofy with “Elf”, “Home Alone” and “The Santa Clause” or when the kids are in bed go a little raunchy with “Bad Santa”.

These are just a few of great Christmas movies. Some obvious, some not. But make sure the movie event has some popcorn, hot chocolate and other goodies. Some warm blankets, pillows, puppies and kitties on the couch in major comfy clothes and even a fire roarin’ in the fire place.

You can start by having pancakes for dinner as a prelude. That also makes it easier for Mommy and Daddy to spike their orange juice to slide into a great family Christmas movie event.

Just another Shop RTO Christmas and family fun tips.

ShopRTO provides consumers home fun, family and Christmas tips while adding rent to own as part of that family, fun and Christmas lifestyle.

Christmas Ornaments 4 ways

By

Different ways of using Christmas Ornaments

Make use of extra Christmas ornaments

Christmas cheer is all around and if you’re like most of us you may have a deluge of Christmas ornaments that you have acquired over the years. Since there is only so much space on a Christmas tree, you may find yourself with a good amount leftover. If so, we have a few different ways you can make use of all of the extras to decorate your home.

Centerpiece
One of the easiest uses for leftover ornaments is to toss them in a vase or bowl and set them in the center of your dining table, side table or anywhere that could use a festive centerpiece. Try mixing colors and shapes for a unique look.

Wreaths & Garlands
Fasten surplus ornaments to any garland or wreath with floral wire to create your one-of-a-kind front door statement piece. If you don’t already own a wreath or garland for sprucing, you can find them of different sizes and colors along with floral wire at any craft store.

Hung from up top
Another easy way to create a nice focal piece is to string ornaments and hang them from light fixtures or entry ways. You can tie them to directly onto light fixtures or use clear adhesive tape to fasten them to the ceiling, entry way or window frame. Be sure that the tape you’re using securely sticks to the surface as most ornaments are pretty fragile and will most likely shatter if they fall.

Gift wrapping
If you’re willing to part with extra ornaments or want to downsize your collection a great and unique approach to do so is to incorporate them in your gift wrapping. Instead of using the traditional Christmas bow, try a bauble or ornament. The inclusion can easily double as a two-in-one gift making yours extra special.

Now you can fish all the ornaments you might have tucked away and adorn your entire home because if there’s any time to go overboard with festivity it’s now.

Happy Holidays!

Just another ShopRTO home decorating and  holiday tip.

ShopRTO provides consumers home decorating and living tips and promotes rent to own as a shopping option for affordable home furnishings.

Sign up today for our free ShopRTO e-newsletters and receive the latest news and tips on:

Use our safe and secure signup form below, look for your confirmation email, then sit back and enjoy our informational articles.

Subscribe to our mailing list

* indicates required

×