Pumpkin Carving with Power Tools

Things to Do in October- Plus a List of All the Best Pumpkin Patches Around

Power Tool Pumpkin Carving Winner 2016

Can you believe it’s mid-October? Where did this year go?

This year flew by, Summer came and went, with a blink of an eye. I know a lot of people who are disappointed we’re already in October, but I’m not going to lie, I love Fall. The weather is just perfect. The colors are spectacular. Bright yellow, red, orange, brown. The air is fresh and everyone seems to be in a good mood. Halloween decorations are everywhere to be seen. Kids and some adults, can’t wait to purchase or make their Halloween costume. Fall is the perfect time to throw on a sweater and scarf, and go enjoy anything outside.

·       Pumpkin Patches

·       Apple Picking

·       Wine Tasting

·       Pumpkin Carving

·       Visit the Arboretum

·       Go Fishing

·       Go Hiking

·       Make hot coco with the family

·       Watch Halloween movies outside

·       Go horseback riding

·       Visit a haunted house

·       Go to the zoo

·       Bake a pie on the grill

·       Build a scarecrow

If nothing in that list suits you, at least go visit a pumpkin patch. It's tons of fun. Trust me, you'll enjoy yourselves.

Pumpkin Patches

Southwest Suburbs

Bengtson’s Pumpkin Farm – 13341 W. 151st. Homer Glen, IL 708-301-3276

Butterprint Farm- 24936 S. 80th Ave Monee, IL 708-534-8801

The Children’s Farm- 12700 Southwest Hwy. Palos Park, IL 708-361-3650

Fawn’s Fall Fest & Pumpkin Farm – 24405 s. LaGrange Rd. Frankfort, IL 708-532-6668

Forest View Farms- 16717 S. Lockwood Tinley Park, IL 708-560-0306

Heap’s Giant Pumpkin Farm – 4853 Hwy 52 Minooka, IL 815-475-7373

Odyssey Fun Farm – 18900 S. Oak Park Ave Tinley Park, IL 708-429-3800

Northwest Indiana

Country Line Orchard – 200 Country Line Rd. Hobart, IN 219-947-4477

Garwood Orchards and Farm Markets – 5911 W. 50 South LaPorte, IN 219-362-4385

Western Suburbs

Abbey Farms – 850 Butterfield Rd. Aurora, IL 630-936-0034

Blackberry Farm - !00 S. Barnes Rd. Aurora, IL 630-892-1550

Goebbert’s Pumpkin Farm – 42W813 Reinking Rd. Hampshire, IL 847-464-5952

Honey Hill Orchards – 11747 Waterman Rd. Waterman, IL 815-264-3337

Johansen Farms – 710 W. Boughton Rd. Bolingbrook, IL 630-759-8711

Windy Acres Farm – 37W446 Fabyan Pkwy. Geneva, IL 630-232-6429

Go enjoy this weather. Carve a pumpkin, make some coco, or sit by the fire. Just go have some fun. 

Misconceptions About Garbage Disposals

We need to change the name of garbage disposals to something else, since a lot of people are confused by the meaning of it. There is a misconception that you could put whatever you'd like down the sink, and your garbage disposal will grind it and dispose of it. That is 100% False. Garbage disposals grind down food to tiny little pieces and dispose of it down the waste pipes. They are meant to make disposing of food easier. It doesn't mean that it could actually take everything you want to feed it.

The following items are NOT ALLOWED:

•  Bones

•  Anything String-like, such as corn, celery stalk, or the inside of a pumpkin.

•  Peels, such as onion peels, potatoes peels, or banana peels.

•  Starchy Foods- pasta or bread.

•  Oil or anything greasy

•  Metal

•  Paper

•  Glass

•  Aluminum Foil

•  Plastic

•  Cigarette Butt's

•  Nut Shells 

•  Wood

**Never put your hand or fingers down the disposal**

Garbage Disposal Maintenance

We understand since it's under your sink, you can't see it and might not feel like cleaning it. Guess what? You need too. If you don't, you're just growing nasty mold and bacteria inches away from where you put your plates and silverware. Let's not forget the smell. Yuck!

Once a month: take a 1/2 a cup of baking soda & 1/2 of vinegar. Pour it down the sink. Let it sit there for 15 minutes. It will start to bubble up. That means it's working.

Next, slice up a lemon, and a cup of ice. Put it down the garbage disposal. Turn on the garbage disposal and let it grind.

Finally, turn on the cold water for a few seconds to run everything down. It should smell great. Remember, if you maintain your garbage disposal it will last longer, avoid nasty smells and keep away mold.

If you use your garbage disposal frequently we suggest you put lemons and ice down the disposal weekly. 

Remember to always maintain 

7 Nights of Beachfront Resort Accommodations- Giveaway!!!

Together We Cope- Winter Coat Drive

Summer is over and you're already dreading the Winter months. Well, I have the answer to your prayers: Kevin Szabo Jr Plumbing has teamed up with Together We Cope, to give away a 7 Night Stay at St. James Club Antigua. 

Experience a private 100-acre tropical peninsula on Antigua's southeastern coast where clear turquoise waters surround your own private oasis. Two magnificent white-sand beaches, six pools, four distinct restaurants, non-motorized water sports, tennis & fitness center, supervised kids activities, spa and nightly entertainment. St. James club will leave you with amazing island memories to last a lifetime. 

The package includes 7 nights accommodation at St. James Club & Villa, Antigua, dinning, beverages, resort facilities, activities, service charges & gratuities. Winner is responsible for airfare and taxes. 

All you have to do to enter a chance to win 7 Nights in St. James Club in Antigua is contribute to Together We Cope's Winter Coat Drive. Follow the GoFundMe link below. Every person that donates towards their Winter Coat Drive will enter to win. If you have any questions regarding the trip please contact our marketing manager at Rona@kevinszabojrplumbing.net.

Together We Cope is a non-for profit organization based out of Tinley Park, Illinois. 

Every year before Winter, Together We Cope gathers gently used coats and funds to purchase Winter Coats for families that unfortunately don't have the funds to get a Winter coat for their kids. Could you imagine dealing with our Chicago Winter without a coat? Now, imagine a small child having to put up with this year's freezing and insane Winter. Nobody should have to go through that, especially a baby or a kid.  

We aren't asking for much. Whatever you could spare would be appreciated. If you can't donate, we ask you to share our post. Our mission is to be able to help Together We Cope as much as possible. They do so much for our community, they deserve the same in return.  

Together We Cope's main focus has always been to help: Recently unemployed workers, elderly and disabled people on fixed incomes, grandparents raising children, victims of fire and other disasters, single parents trying to make ends meet, people facing catastrophic medical expenses,  and underemployed workers without benefits. 

Together We Cope 
www.togetherwecope.com/ 

CLIENT & PANTRY SERVICES • 17010 South Oak Park Avenue, Tinley Park, Illinois 60477 • 708-633-5040

NU2U RESALE SHOP • 17010 South Oak Park Avenue, Tinley Park, Illinois 60477 • 708-633-9180

-If you know someone in need please send them to Together We Cope.

Together We Cope GoFundMe Link

https://www.gofundme.com/TogetherWeCopeWCD

Thank You,

Kevin Szabo Jr. Plumbing

Back To School Breakfast Ideas

Mornings trying to get kids out the door are hectic enough, especially the first few weeks back to school. Breakfast shouldn’t be hard; it should be simple.

Wake up, make coffee, drink coffee, ponder life questions, get dressed, think about the kids mess in the living room, wake up the family, make breakfast, gather the children’s clothes, put all their school stuff together, yell a few times, make sure everyone is dressed, eat breakfast, ask your husband for help with the kids, drink more coffee, brush teeth, feed the puppy, and gather all belonging and out the door before 8:10 AM to make it to school at 8:30 AM.

In all that chaos you are supposed to feed your family a nutritious well balanced breakfast. I’m a huge fan of wraps, everyone enjoys them, and it’s not so messy. To make breakfast easier here are a few ideas that I have put together.

Scrambled Eggs, Potatoes and Cheese in a wrap

Scramble eggs and potatoes, top with cheese, put it in a wrap. No mess, and it’s a hit.

Left Over Breakfast Wrap

If you have either beef, pork, or chicken and spring veggies from last night’s dinner: cut it up, or shred it and cook it in a skillet with eggs. Put it in a wrap. BAM, delicious gourmet breakfast.

Granola, Yogurt, and Fruit

Smash a Natural Valley Crunchy Granola bar, layered with vanilla yogurt, topped with berries & strawberries.

Eggs, Avocado, Hummus Wrap

Cook eggs to your liking. Slice up a few pieces of avocado. Put eggs and avocado in wrap with a spoon of hummus, roll it up and enjoy.

Bacon, Egg’s and Cheese Wrap

Cook Bacon. Scramble eggs, top with cheese. Spread a tiny bit of mayo on your wrap, add scrambled eggs and cheese, then top it with crispy bacon. Roll it up and enjoy.

Egg Whites, Tomatoes, Basil & Goat Cheese

Scrambled egg whites. Place in wrap, top with: Fresh tomatoes, Fresh Basil and goat cheese. Roll it up and enjoy. (If you have time, roast the tomatoes before placing them in wrap. It will give the wrap and extra kick)

Peanut Butter & Jelly, Fresh Fruit Wrap

Spread your favorite type of peanut butter and jelly over a whole wheat wrap. Top with Bananas and Strawberries. Roll it up and Enjoy.

-Everything is cooked in extra virgin olive oil, no butter, no vegetable oil.

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. You have to make it enjoyable for you and the kids. They have to go out there and conquer the world, make it a little easier by making them a breakfast they could enjoy before school.

Plumbing Fact: Over $100,000 were spent on a study to determine whether most people put their toilet paper on the holder with the flap in front or behind.

Back To School

The kids hate hearing it's back to school time. Parents are kinda relieved their children are on their way back, they'll finally start learning again. While the kids where home, you were too busy to maintain your household. You worked all day, cleaned up their messes, cooked non stop, and entertained them, everything else wasn't important. 

Your home was neglected. Let's go through a check list to make sure everything is running smoothly. 

1. Check your water heater. Make sure there isn't water or dust around it. Always keep the area clean. 

2. Sump Pump. Check the sump pump for malfunction. It rained a lot this Summer, make sure it's plugged in and still working properly. 

3. Central A/C and Furnace. Please change the filter. You need to change it EVERY month. 

4. Outdoor Spigots. Check them out, make sure they aren't leaking. After using them all Summer, there might be some wear and tear. 

5. Dryer Vent. Get your dryer vents cleaned. 

6. Fridge. Clean out your fridge. If you have kids, your fridge wasn't probably maintained. 

It's ok, don't feel guilty. Your family enjoyed the Summer, that's all that matters. When the kids are back to school, it's time to get back to reality.

Don’t Make The Toilet The Star Of The Show!

You woke up this morning and decided to remodel your bathroom. I would love to tell you that it's that easy. It usually takes time, money and lot's of planning.  

When remodeling a bathroom, you're able to start fresh.  When entering a bathroom, you want your eyes to focus on the tub/shower/vanity/chandelier, not your toilet. Unless, you really are trying to make your toilet the main focus, because you're purchasing: a custom, historic, or extremely futuristic piece.

The bathroom is the number one used room in the house, they are a necessity, you should put effort in the design. If you're remodeling your bathroom, are you remodeling the bathroom: to increase value to your home? To add space? Improve layout? To update it? Because you have to sell the house? Add technology? Or, because you're bored?  

Which bathroom in the house are you remodeling? Each bathroom is different.  

This is where you should focus in the bathroom..... 

Hall Bathroom- Wall Design, Lighting, Chandelier 

Master Bathroom- Tub 

Kid's Bathroom- Wall Decor 

Bachelor/Bachelorette Bathroom- Tile Design or Wall Paper.... Flap Screen/Touch Screen Computer....  LED lights  

Guest Bathroom- Vanity & Mirror 

As a plumbing contractor, I'm able to move your plumbing (of course you have to be reasonable on where you want it moved). If you have the time, we are able to start from scratch. We could redesign your bathroom not just remodel the bathroom.  

Here are some very unique toilets for your enjoyment.  

86 Ways To Enjoy The Summer With Your Kids

SUMMER FUN

1.       Play in the pool outside.

2.       Visit your local community pool.

3.       Go running around your neighborhood.

4.       Camp out in your backyard.

5.       Have a BBQ

6.       Have a Hot Dog party.

7.       Learn new recipes.

8.       Visit your local Farmer’s Market.

9.       Enjoy Tinley Park’s Cruise Nights every Tuesday night on Oak Park Ave.

10.   Play Pokemon Go, go around town catching them all.

11.   Visit your local Library.

12.   Go hiking.

13.   Free Family Night at Chicago Children’s Museum at Navy Pier (Thursday Evenings and First Sundays)

14.   Visit Maggie Daley Park

15.   Splash around at Millennium Park Crown Fountain.

16.   Tinley Park’s Music in the Plaza, every other Saturday night (Zabrocki Plaza).

17.   Visit Lincoln Park Conservatory.

18.   Visit Lincoln Park Zoo.

19.   Visit Brookfield Zoo.

20.   Buckingham Fountain.

21.   Go swimming at Montrose Beach.

22.   Family Kite Festival in Elmhurst 8/6/2016.

23.   Chicago Air & Water Show 8/20 & 8/21.

24.   Robotics Day Camp in Tinley Park.

25.   Watch a kid’s movie at Marcus Cinema in Orland Park.

26.   Odyssey Fun World in Tinley Park.

27.   Go Bowling.

28.   Biking in Forest Preserve

29.   Play softball with your neighbors.

30.   Eat ice cream at your local ice cream shop.

31.   Listen to music.

32.   Dance around to music.

33.   Have a water balloon fight.

34.   Watch a fireworks show.

35.   Have a block party.

36.   Plant flowers.

37.   Play Laser Tag.

38.   Take a bubble bath outside.

39.   Go bird watching.

40.   Stage a play.

41.   Build a fort.

42.   Invent something with old parts in the garage.

43.   Collect lightning bugs.

44.   Go on a picnic.

45.   Bake cookies.

46.   Visit your local Firehouse for a tour.

47.   Play board games.

48.   Make instruments out of junk around the house.

49.   Lay out and look at the stars.

50.   Visit an animal shelter.

51.   Play Hide & Seek.

52.   Make funny skits.

53.   Make a movie with your friends.

54.   Ask your neighbors if they need their pets walked.

55.   Visit your local park.

56.   Play card games.

57.   Cook a meal with your kids.

58.   Make a fun homemade pizza.

59.   Have a movie night at home.

60.   Make a painting.

61.   Visit grandma & grandpa.

62.   Learn magic tricks.

63.   Make s’mores.

64.   Eat popsicles.

65.   Blow bubbles.

66.   Build paper air planes.

67.   Tell stories with a flashlight.

68.   Visit a lake.

69.   Make tacos.

70.   Eat frozen yogurt.

71.   Build sandcastles.

72.   Have a video game party.

73.   Open a lemonade stand.

74.   Have a talent show with your friends.

75.   Run through sprinklers.

76.   Go to a carnival.

77.   Draw with sidewalk chalk.

78.   Wash the car.

79.   Build a Lego tower.

80.   Play I spy.

81.   Learn a new language.

82.   Volunteer.

83.   Read a book.

84.   Build a campfire.

85.   Create a scrapbook.

86.   Take a nap.

Does Anybody NOT Take Their Phone with Them to the Bathroom?

It is 2016, we have the world at our finger tips. They have an App for anything you could imagine, and not to mention most people are wrapped up in Social Media. What did people do in the bathroom before there were mobile phones? In our household we actually have books all around the house, including the bathroom. Our bathroom has a great selection of interesting books. Nothing to complex, mostly facts about History, how to guides, and of course Uncle John’s Fully Loaded Bathroom Reader. There was a study that was done several years ago about how much time was spent sitting in the bathroom. It was said, we spend 3 years of our lives sitting in the bathroom. That was before the smart phone came out. I could tell you that everyone spends way more time on their phone in the bathroom now. Parents, have always ran away to the bathroom from their kids when they were just too much to handle. Now, parents more often than not, pretend that they need to go to the bathroom just so they could go on Social Media. I’m not judging anybody; I’m actually writing this post from my bathroom. Bathrooms have become our new offices. Back in the day, a lot of people wanted an “office” in their house. Now, all you need is a bathroom and your smart phone.

I remember when I first became a plumber, my customers use to have newspapers, magazines, and books, in their bathrooms. I can honestly say, I rarely see that now a day. We need to bring back reading in our bathrooms, or keep the phone usage in the bathroom in moderation. 

Here is an example of phone usage I found on Instagram. 

Memorial Day 2016

On this day we honor the fallen heroes who gave us the freedom that we have. The men and women who gave their lives and left behind a family, so we could be with ours. We don’t say it enough; Thank You. Thank you for letting my family and I enjoy our days without worries, while you are away from yours. Thank you for letting me put my son to sleep every night, while you are away from yours. Thank you for letting me wake up every morning at home, while you are away from yours. You are MY HERO. Don’t worry, I will raise my son to know who the real heroes are.

You, sir and ma’am, are the reason this country is free. God Bless you and may you come home safe to your family, so we could shake your hand and thank you in person.