Home & Lifestyle 2026

HomeSaratoga Lifestyle & ®

HomeSaratoga Lifestyle &

OWNER/PUBLISHER

Chad Beatty

CREATIVE DIRECTOR/ MANAGING EDITOR

Chris Vallone Bushee

MAGAZINE DESIGNER

Kacie Cotter-Harrigan

ADVERTISING DESIGN

Jocelyn Lucey

ADVERTISING

Thomas Beaury

Jim Daley

Cindy Durfey

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Colleen Coleman

Jodie Fitz

Megin Potter

PHOTOGRAPHY

Benjamin Moore

Susan Blackburn Photography

Brennan Landscaping

Elite Sealcoating & Property Services

KPM Restorations

Randall Perry Photography

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The first weekend of March (and this awesome event!) has always been the unofficial Kick Off to Spring! And after this brutally cold winter, I’m sure we are all looking forward to this!

This yearly fundraiser held by the Rotary Club of Saratoga Springs, is now celebrating their 52nd year and is a Saratoga MUST-DO event! If you’re not familiar with what Rotary does, please read all about them in the first few pages of this magazine. As always, we are honored when a local business or organization asks us to help create a publication to help them promote their business or event, and we just LOVE doing this for the Rotary Club!

With the beautifully designed and informative displays at the Saratoga Home & Lifestyle Show, and the informative content in the magazine, combined with all these ADS!!… There are ideas and vendors for every household project you could imagine! And possibly some you hadn’t even thought of!

Did I mention that admission is FREE again this year, thanks to the generous sponsors!

I hope you find these articles as informative as I did…

Between meeting the vendors, learning about the latest & greatest out there, (a robotic mower big enough to do my lawn!!) experiencing those lush paint colors and seeing the renovations in here – what an issue!

I hope you enjoy this magazine as much as I have.

AND… it becomes your go-to source for planning that next project!

See you at the show –stop by and say hello : )

PS… For even more inspiration, check out the H&G issue of Simply Saratoga Magazine, due out in mid-May!

- see page 44 for the story!

Welcome

FEBRUARY 28 & MARCH 1

PRESENTED BY

SATURDAY & SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 28 - MARCH 1

SARATOGA SPRINGS CITY CENTER

DANIEL KLEIN

President 2025-2027

Rotary Club of Saratoga Springs

The Rotary Club of Saratoga Springs welcomes you to the 52nd Saratoga Home & Lifestyle Show! The 2026 show is made possible through the continued major sponsorship of the Adirondack Trust Company and Amsure. The club also greatly appreciates the long-term support of our sponsors, including Granite & Marble Works Inc., Sterling Manor Financial LLC, Stewart’s, and Independent Contractor Supply.

Our first Home & Lifestyle Show was held in 1973 with the goal of connecting local businesses with community members while raising funds to support local charities. Past recipients of show proceeds include the Franklin Community Center, AIM Services, Saratoga Regional YMCA, Wellspring, and the Saratoga Springs Senior Center.. The show’s continued success has also enabled us to support international initiatives such as Drilling for Hope, Impactful Education, and Rotary’s worldwide effort to eradicate polio.

The largest beneficiary of the Saratoga Home & Lifestyle Show is the Saratoga Springs Rotary Education Foundation. Your continued attendance and the support of our

exhibitors allowed the foundation to award more than $100,000 to local students in 2025. These scholarships are awarded to students pursuing degrees at accredited two- and four-year colleges as well as vocational and technical institutions.

Our club’s impact extends beyond financial grants. We actively serve our community by ringing bells for the Salvation Army, participating in home improvement projects with Rebuilding Together, laying wreaths at Saratoga National Cemetery, volunteering at local 5K races, and planting trees in area parks.

In 2026, we were proud to continue our club’s second century of service to the Saratoga community. We are always seeking new members who share our commitment to “Service Above Self.” For more information about becoming a Rotarian,

Please contact us at danielsklein75@gmail.com, and be sure to visit our Rotary booth during the show.

We greatly appreciate your support of our club, our exhibitors, and our sponsors.

Enjoy the show!

TO OUR thanks

Thank you to our generous sponsors for their support. Once again The Adirondack Trust Company & Amsure is our Platinum Sponsor SHOW SPONSORS!

PLATINUM SPONSORS

GOLD SPONSOR

HOME SHOW SPONSOR

HOSPITALITY SPONSORS

Independent Contractor Supply

GENERAL INFORMATION

The Rotary Club of Saratoga Springs Home & Lifestyle Show returns to the Saratoga Springs City Center with this our 52nd show! The show features a wide variety of exhibitors with expertise in everything from gardens and outdoor living to financial planning.

Whether you own your own home or rent an apartment, you’ll find something at the show that interests you. Get ideas and talk to experts about those lifestyle and home improvement projects you’ve been dreaming about. The weekend includes the annual Rotary Art Show, pet adoptions, a kid’s craft station hosted by the Home Depot, family fun and much more.

There is something for everyone, so come join us at the Saratoga Springs City Center!

SHOW HOURS

Saturday, February 28: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, March 1: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

ADMISSION is always free... Thanks to the generosity of all of our sponsors!

FIND THE EXHIBITOR LIST ONLINE

Scan the QR code or visit saratogaspringsrotary.org for updated show information, including a list and map of exhibitors, photos, and show-related updates. You can also follow us on Facebook @SaratogaSpringsRotary and on Instagram @RotaryClubSaratogaSprings

DONORS

In addition to the sponsors, exhibitors and special events participants noted elsewhere, the Club thanks Clifton Park Rental, Saratoga Springs City Center, The Wandering Food Dude/Salvato’s Bistro, Home Depot, Saratoga Children’s Literacy League, Witches Kittens, Hop on Home, H.O.P.E. and the Saratoga Springs Police Department for their participation in the show.

SERVICE ABOVE SELF

ROTARY’S MOTTO IN ACTION

The Rotary motto, “Service Above Self,” drives our membership to do good things in our own community as well as for communities around the world. Our membership shares a love of Saratoga with a strong desire to make it better for everyone who lives here. Weekly club meetings not only encourage camaraderie but provide opportunities to network with local business leaders and learn more about our community through a series of scheduled speakers. Rotary welcomes new members at any time.

The Rotary Home & Lifestyle show makes it possible for the Rotary Club of Saratoga Springs to financially support our community’s 501(c)(3) organizations as we strengthen community spirit. The Club expects to raise $85,000 from this year’s event. Over the course of the year, these proceeds are re-distributed to community organizations, educational scholarships and international humanitarian projects.

ROTARY SUPPORTS

LOCAL NON - PROFITS

The Rotary Club of Saratoga Springs makes monthly and annual financial gifts over the course of each year:

• Monthly Gifts: Every month the club makes charitable contributions to worthy non-profit organizations in amounts ranging from $100 up to $5,000. We eagerly accept letters describing your organization’s needs to fund items other than operating costs. Please include specifics on how Rotary can help. On average, Rotary supports local organizations by giving over $30,000 to over 30 charities each and every year!

• Major Gifts: The Club awards a Major Gift biennially, typically ranging from $5,000 to $50,000, to area organizations seeking to complete a specific project. Please visit our website to learn more and apply!

Criteria for these donations are explained on the club’s website at saratogaspringsrotary.org

You may also get general information at the Rotary booth on the main floor of the Home & Lifestyle Show.

ROTARY SUPPORTS

INTERNATIONAL RELIEF EFFORTS

Part of Rotary's mission involves donating to world disaster recovery efforts and improving life for citizens in developing countries. The Saratoga Springs Club sent Shelter Boxes for war refugees in Syria and typhoon victims in the Philippines, funded well construction in Rwanda and supported Pure Water for the World.

ROTARY SUPPORTS EDUCATION

The Saratoga Springs Rotary Education Foundation raises funds to give financial scholarships to deserving high school seniors who plan to pursue additional education. The Foundation (SaratogaSpringsScholarships.org) is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization which partners with the Rotary Club of Saratoga Springs to award scholarships. The Saratoga Springs Rotary Education Foundation awarded $100,000 in scholarships to 15 local students. One-year scholarships ranged in amounts from $2,500 to $6,000. In addition, one high school senior is selected to receive our Presidential Scholarship. The winner of this award receives $5,000 per year for four years for a total of $20,000. The winner of the Presidential Scholarship for 2025 is Carol Wang who is attending Massachusetts Institute of Technology majoring in Computation and Cognition.

JOIN ROTARY!

Membership in the Rotary Club of Saratoga Springs offers an excellent opportunity for Saratoga area businesses and individuals to make new friends while making a positive impact on the community and the world. The more than forty members of the Club meet three times per month and host regular social events at local Saratoga restaurants. Contact us at saratogarotarymembership@gmail.com for updated meeting times and locations!

Rotary realizes that people are busy and may not be able to attend every meeting. Obviously, the Club encourages good attendance. The more involved you are the more you will learn about all the wonderful things we do. Involvement in our Rotary-sponsored community efforts as well as participating on Club committees will further prove we believe in our motto, “Service Above Self.”

We invite prospective members to join us for a meeting or an evening gathering. Just show up and introduce yourself. Also check us out at saratogaspringsrotary.org and on Facebook & Instagram. Please stop by the Rotary booth at the show to speak to a Rotarian and get your questions answered. Individual and corporate memberships are available.

SERVICE ABOVE SELF

Rotary International

Did you know you can travel to almost every part of the world and find a Rotary Club? Rotary is a global network of 1.2 million neighbors, friends, leaders and problem-solvers who see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change across the globe, in our communities and in ourselves.

Solving real problems takes commitment and vision. For more than 110 years, Rotarians have used their passion, energy and intelligence to take action on sustainable projects. From literacy and peace to water and health, we are always working to better our world, and we stay committed to the end.

Rotary members believe we have a shared responsibility to take action on our world’s most persistent issues. Rotary International’s 35,000+ clubs work together to:

• Promote peace

• Fight disease

• Provide clean water, sanitation and hygiene

• Save mothers and children

• Support education

• Grow local economies

• Protect the environment

We provide service to others, promote integrity and advance world understanding, goodwill and peace through our fellowship of business, professional and community leaders.

Rotary Works to End Polio

For more than 30 years, Rotary has been working to eradicate polio. Polio, or poliomyelitis, is a paralyzing and potentially deadly infectious disease that most commonly affects children under the age of 5. The virus spreads from person to person, typically through contaminated water. It can then attack the nervous system.

Rotary has reduced polio cases by 99.9% since its first project to vaccinate children in the Philippines in 1979. We’ve helped immunize more than 2.5 billion children in 122 countries. Rotary has contributed more than $1.8 billion toward eradicating the disease worldwide.

Today polio remains endemic only in Afghanistan, Nigeria and Pakistan, but it’s crucial to continue working to keep other countries polio-free. If all eradication efforts stopped today, within 10 years polio could paralyze as many as 200,000 children each year.

ROTARY SUPPORTS

YOUR COMMUNITY

Here is a sampling of the many organizations supported by The Rotary Club of Saratoga Springs.

• Act with Respect Always

• After the Fire

• AIM Services, Inc.

• Alliance 180

• Bay Eye Charitable Foundation

• Beekman Street Arts District

• Bikeatoga

• Caffè Lena

• Campaign for Saratoga 250

• Catie Hoch Foundation

• Cornell Cooperative Extension

• Dake Foundation

• Doctors Without Borders

• Drilling for Hope

• Franklin Community Center

• Friends Forever International

• Friends of Camp Little Notch

• Friends of Music of Saratoga Springs

• Friends of Saratoga Springs Public Library

• Gateway House of Peace

• Ladies of Charity

• Lifeworks Community Action

• Malta Veterans

• North Country Horses

• Prevention Council

• Saint Clement’s School

• Salvation Army

• Saratoga Arts

• Saratoga Book Festival

• Saratoga Center for the Family

• Saratoga Children’s Literacy League

• Saratoga County Agricultural Society

• Saratoga County Children's Committee

• Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office

• Saratoga Hidden Horseshoes

• Saratoga Joinery

• Saratoga Little League

• Saratoga Miss Softball

• Saratoga Regional YMCA

• Saratoga Senior Center

• Saratoga Shakespeare

• Saratoga Sponsor-A-Scholar

• Saratoga Springs High School Baseball Booster Club

• Saratoga Springs High School Softball Booster Club

• Saratoga Springs Little League

• Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation

• Saratoga Springs Recreation Department

• Saratoga Springs Varsity Boys Soccer

• Saratoga-Wilton Soccer Club

• Stories for Success

• WellSpring Saratoga

• Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park

• Yaddo

CELEBRATES SERVICE

2025 Senior Citizen of the Year Award

Annually, the Rotary Club of Saratoga Springs’ Senior Citizen of the Year award honors a Saratoga County resident, aged 65 or better, who demonstrates the Rotary principle of “Service Above Self.”

Patricia Temple of Schuylerville, NY was chosen by the Saratoga Springs Rotary Club as their Senior Citizen of the Year Honoree for 2025

A graduate of Schuylerville High School, Class of 1967, Pat earned her associate’s degree in accounting at Adirondack Community College, 1983.

She was married to Thompson F. Temple. They have two children and four grandchildren. She worked as a bookkeeper in Saratoga Springs while attending Adirondack Community College and worked for the Town of Halfmoon for 15 years until she retired in 2011. The following year she started working part-time for the Town of Saratoga where she is still employed. She started her own business, the Patricia Temple Tax Service, in 1990 that serves approximately 250 clients and 15 businesses.

Active in her community, Pat has served as the Treasurer for the General Schuyler Rescue squad until they merged with Wilton Emergency Squad, on the Wilton Emergency Squad Board of Directors, and as the Former Treasurer for Schuyler Hose Company. She currently is Treasurer for Olde Saratoga Seniors Club, Bookkeeping for Greater Schuylerville Area Youth Center and works as an advocate for Schuylerville Public Library and Schuylerville Central School District.

The Senior Citizen of the Year receives $1,000.00 from the club to be given to the charity or non-profit of their choice. Patricia has chosen the Olde Saratoga Seniors Club to be the recipient of this donation. Please join us in congratulating her on this honor.

If you know a Saratoga County senior whose volunteer service is exemplary, please consider nominating them for this award. Nominations are due this spring, and forms can be found on the Rotary Club of Saratoga Springs website, at saratogaspringsrotary.org. The award, which includes a donation to the Saratoga County non-profit organization of the honoree's choice, will be given at the club's spring meeting.

GET SHOW UPDATES ONLINE

Visit saratogaspringsrotary.org to get the latest news on what’s happening at the show.

SPECIAL EVENTS

ADOPT A PET, LEARN SOMETHING NEW

Saturday, February 28 11 a.m. -3 p.m.

How can you resist the charms of sweet furry animals searching for their forever home? The Rotary Home & Lifestyle Show is host to several pet adoption agencies from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday that will be in residence to answer your pet questions and introduce you to adorable new friends who want to go home with you.

Representatives from agencies like Witches Kittens, Hop on Home, and H.O.P.E. will be on hand with advice and pointers on pet adoption and ownership. Even if you aren’t quite ready for a pet adoption, there’s no harm to visit and play with our special animal guests. If you want to do more, the pet agencies will provide information on getting involved.

CHILD SAFETY

with Saratoga Springs Police Department

Every child should have a New York State Safe Child Card. You can get yours at the Police Department’s information table for child safety. Receive your free child ID card as well as practical information about keeping your youngsters safe and sound.

The Saratoga Rotary Home Show is back for 2026 on Saturday, February 28 and Sunday, March 1 so mark your calendars to come and check out what’s new in the world of home improvement as well as some new entertainment for you.

WANDERING FOOD DUDE/ SALVATO'S BISTRO

Saturday, February 28 and Sunday, March 1

11 a.m. - 2 p.m.

The Wandering Food Dude / Salvato's Bistro will be on site with a concession stand at the Saratoga Springs Rotary Home Show on Saturday, February 28 and Sunday, March 1.

Stop by for great food while you explore the show—concessions will be open from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. each day. Don’t miss the chance to enjoy a delicious local favorite during the event.

New!

New!

SARATOGA CHILDREN’S LITERACY LEAGUE

Sunday, March 1 • 1-3 p.m.

KID’S CRAFT STATION

Sponsored by Home Depot

Sunday, March 1 • 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

Home Depot in Saratoga will be sponsoring a special Kids workshop event on March 1 from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Bring your little ones in for a racecar or a Home Depot Store money bank workshop build. This is a free workshop like the ones they do in store on the first Saturday of every month from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. There is a limited amount of kits so come while supplies last.

Join us on Sunday from 1 to 3 p.m. for a special Children’s Literacy activity area at the Home & Lifestyle Show. Families are invited to stop by for story time, free books, and fun literacy-focused activities that help spark a love of reading. It’s a great opportunity for kids to explore, learn, and engage—and for parents to discover simple ways to support early literacy at home. We’re excited to welcome families and celebrate the joy of reading together.

Saratoga Children’s Literacy League is a 501(3)(c) non-profit run by 100% volunteers and donations. Our mission is to empower children in Saratoga County by providing free books of their own choosing—building home libraries, fostering a lifelong love of reading while strengthening community connections, and promoting environmental stewardship. We receive donations of gently used children’s books, host book mending workshops to make them like new and give them to children at no cost. We have been in operation since August 2023 and have gifted over 23,000 books to the community thus far by visiting free summer lunch programs, housing developments, Head Start and UPK classrooms, community centers and local events. Look out for our new book bus coming this spring!

ARTISAN’S SH WCASE

Experience the masterpieces as the artisan’s showcase returns to the Rotary Home & Lifestyle Show!

The Artisan's Showcase returns to the City Center February 28th and March 1st for a celebration of creativity and talent. Explore a variety of original works ideal for enhancing your home or office, for serious collectors or for discovering a unique and meaningful gift. The Artisan’s Showcase features stunning paintings, intricate woodworking, captivating photography, unique jewelry and so much more.

In a special tribute to the future of the arts, the event will also feature the Saratoga Springs High School Art Display. To support emerging talent, Saratoga Arts will award the “Best in Show” student artist a complimentary one-year membership. Don’t miss this inspiring community event!

#SARATOGAHOMEANDLIFESTYLEARTSHOW

ARTISAN’S SHOWCASE

1st

2nd

3rd Place:

Artist Line-Up

CANDLE AND FLORAL

Patty's Petals & Woods

Vintage Wics

JEWELRY

CAKE Jewelry

MIXED MEDIA AND PAINTING

Dark Mountain Arts

Heather VanDyke Artist

Sandra Charlap

Thistledown Studio

PHOTOGRAPHY

Whistle Wing Prints

Wolfjaw Photography

POTTERY

Sacred Journey Ceramics

WOODWORKING

ABC Woodworking

Adirondack Woodspirits

e.Squared Woodworking

Hudson River Inlay

JMG Woodworking

Michael Whitney

Premier Engraved Gifts

Rob's Gnarly Grain

Wildwoods Woodturning

WINE AND SPIRITS

Albany Distilling

Cooper's Daughter Spirits

Ledge Rock Hill Winery

2025 High School Art Show Winners

Saratoga Arts proudly awarded a free one-year membership to Olivia Clemmensen for her outstanding contribution to the 2025 Student Art Show. Each year, the High School Student Artwork display continues to amaze and inspire.

We are thrilled to welcome back the talented Saratoga Springs High School Advanced Art Class and eagerly anticipate the incredible work of the 2025 High School Student Artists. Keep an eye out for the next wave of artistic brilliance!

To find specific vendors and their booth assignments, please pick up a show map when you enter the Saratoga City Center.

Adirondack Basement Systems

Adirondack Floating Dock Shop

Adirondack Generators

Adirondack Trust Company and Amsure

Allerdice Building Supply, Inc.

Leafguard

Lifetime Exterior Services

Living Outdoors Extended

Mirabito Energy Products

Mohawk Heating Co, Inc

EXHIBIT RS

Allphase Complete Fire & Chimney

Allpro Restoration & Janitorial

Amsure

Bath Fitter

BDB Paving and Sealcoating

Bio-Fusion Designs

As of February 2, 2026; subject to change. See updated information at saratogaspringsrotary.org

Brennan Landscaping, Inc.

Budget Blinds

C. Michael Exteriors featuring Luxury Bath

Caribbean Pools & Spas

Chas. G. Burch Supply Co.

Clean Green Hauling & Removal

Comalli Electric

Comfort Windows & Doors

Culligan

Custom Lawn Care & Landscaping

Cutco Cutlery

D&R Lawn + Landscaping + Sealcoating

Earl B. Feiden Appliance

Elite Property Care

Elite Sealcoating & Property Services

Family Danz Heating and Cooling

Five Star Bath Solutions of Albany

Floor and Décor

Garage Tech

Granite & Marble Works, Inc.

Grasshopper Gardens, Inc.

Grasshopper Heating, Cooling, Plumbing, Electrical

Graves Brothers Home Improvement

Gutter Pro

Home Evolution Roofing

Homes by Malta Development

Insurance Advisors

LeafFilter Gutter Protection

MSV Heat Pump Solutions

Next Generation Roofing, Paving, Siding

Northeast Awnings

Northeast Custom Closets

Northeast Seamless Gutter Co.

Patio Enclosures

Peak Environmental

Pella Windows and Doors

PlugPV LLC

Pure Water Source

Reimer Home Services

Renewal By Anderson of Eastern NY

Renuity

RMG Stone Products/

Green Mountain Soapstone

RMMI and Spa Septic

Saratoga Associates

Saratoga Federal

Saratoga Quality Hardware and Lumber

Saratoga Today

Square Roots Raised Garden Beds

Stone Industries LLC

Suburban Construction

Suburban Services Group

Superior Co-Op HVAC

Sweeney Company Outdoor Living

The Brothers That Just Do Gutters

Top Gen Roofing

Trenchless Today

Trustco Bank

Upstate Bug Busters LLC

Vista Home Improvement

Window Depot

Yankee Home

Yard Work and More Property Services Inc

2026

Color Trends

WRITTEN BY COLLEEN COLEMAN, CMC DESIGN STUDIO LLC

Imust say…this year’s color collection is sophisticated, refined and full of luxury!

I immediately fell in love with the balance between deep couturier hues embracing craftsmanship and refinement to captivating, natural colors offering an irresistible urge to layer effortlessly! In design, we’re seeing a greater emphasis on tailored spaces. The idea of having what is seen as the go-to solution such as saved images from Pinterest and Houz is fading. Moving into 2026, there’s a yearning to explore individuality over popularity. Greater offerings for custom sizeable furniture, hand crafted cabinetry, artful tile and more! At any price point, however, paint can change your interior world faster than any other purchase! Let’s see how these colors for 2026 can change yours!

Benjamin Moore's Color of the Year:

For Color of the Year, Benjamin Moore chose Silhouette AF-655 aligning interiors to a higher degree with the fashion industry. Just as there’s an increased attentiveness in suiting or fabrics used for suits, this desire is now heavily translating into wall color. Andrea Magno, Director of Colour Marketing & Design at Benjamin Moore stated, “…it’s the resurgence of timeless pieces; and the growing interest in the brown colour family, Silhouette embodies these qualities with its depth and luxurious blend of burnt umber and delicate charcoal undertones. Like a perfectly tailored suit, this hue has the versatility and softness to bring a space from expected to exceptional.” Don’t let the “browns” of the past haunt you… this color is deeper, refined and balanced with red undertones to hold its own in any space! With a leaning also toward charcoal, the color pairings with gray undertones settle beautifully in unison.

Swiss Coffee OC-45

For a complimentary white, one of my personal favs is Swiss Coffee OC-45. Its greige profile is on the warm side, resting effortlessly with rich wood elements in a room. As a custom cabinet designer, I swoon over the perfect lush white wall that focuses attention on fine furniture-quality wood cabinets or rests quietly on painted cabinets as a backdrop for books, treasured items and collectables. Either way, its frothed cream leaves one with a sensation to reach out and almost sneak a flavor!

Adding an artful balance of color to this year’s repertoire, Raindance 1572 hits the mark for a balanced steel gray with blue/green undertones that exude relaxation and calm! Early morning sunrise hours draws out the blossoming blues and greens while the afternoon sun saturates this color welcoming a luxurious green gray. Just as natures flora changes with the day, so this humble blue/green offers a rich addition to interiors for cabinetry, furniture and walls…and don’t forget the ceiling! Personally, I think this is the perfect color for my two hand-me-down children’s twin headboards for my grandchildren’s room! Where might you use it?

First Crush CSP-310

Looking for something a bit more subtle?

Try First Crush CSP 310, infused with a hint of blush, this color offers an unassuming backdrop for colors to pop forth. Quiet, subdued and restful…in daylight its color all but disappears. Indirect sunlight pulls more of the beige tones forward, offering a soft warmth without overwhelming a space and the decor within. Don’t be shy, pair this wall color with Raindance 1572 for window trim and wainscot and let Swiss Coffee OC-45 hover above softly for a finish.

Moving into a more sophisticated, dusty violet-mauve is Batik Af-610. In the late 80’s and into the early 90’s, this color was insatiable…heck… I even had a velour love seat and sofa in this hue! Don’t let the rose tone fool you into thinking this is too feminine, It’s a cozy, welcoming neutral with undertones of gray and brown creating a peaceful calm in any room of your home!

For a more earthy, unpretentious and enduring space, be rest assured that Southwest Pottery 048 will calm your senses and create harmony. It’s reddishbrown clay tones seems almost palatable …like an earthy glass of wine…one with nature. This grounded pigment is a perfect background for natural woven floor coverings, rich knitted fabrics dyed in golds, deep teals and coffee. Surround yourself in comfort visually…

Narragansett Green HC-157

Now, if you love a more bold, dramatic color…no need to step any further than Narragansett Green HC-157 from the Historical Collection (also known as Navy Masterpiece 1652). It’s blackened teal influence is forged with rich, dark blends of green and blue with robust black undertones… It’s grounding and foundational! Use for all five walls of a room or cast its rich palette in high gloss on office shelving and trim. Don’t underestimate its stately effect in a room!

For the perfect backdrop to tranquility, allow the classic hue of Sherwood Tan 1054 to nestle your space in simplicity. It’s undertones of brown, earthy red and hints of warm gold all combine to offer a chic traditional space, tailored for today’s lifestyle. This color is perfect for cabinetry, Trim work with lighter walls or even a dramatic ceiling above deeper, moodier spaces. Also known as Wild Mushroom CC-336, its iconic warm tan hue is reminiscent of the perfect cashmere coat… go-with-everything kind of color yet adding a touch of vitality beyond your typical beige.

Are you inspired to explore YOUR individual direction? Break out of where you’ve been and move into where you want to be? Remember, you can quickly update any space with a mere roller and paint. Don’t let 2026 go by without moving ahead with your project that’s been benched waiting to achieve perfection all at once. Design is more than a weekend-and-done deal. It’s a culmination of life, experiences and collections. Be inspired by a painting, an antique you cherish from a favored aunt or…or just maybe… one of these colors.

Until next time my friends, Until next time my friends,

Colleen Coleman of CMC Design Studio LLC

Certified Kitchen & Bath Designer

Certified Aging in Place • True Color Expert

Contributing Interior Design Editor Saratoga TODAY Publications

National Award Winning Designs

colleen@cmcdesignstudio.net

@cmcdesignstudiollc

“Creating Environments for Life” TM

PHOTOS BY RANDALL PERRY PHOTOGRAPHY

Saying “Yes” to the Mess!

WRITTEN BY MEGIN POTTER | PHOTOS PROVIDED

When disaster strikes, KPM Restoration handles the crisis and the chaos left in its wake like a family would - whatever arises.

Protecting a property’s integrity and public health is taken seriously when its personal.

“You’re not just a number to us, we treat you like family and give you the proper care,” said James “Jamie” Kennedy, owner of KPM Restoration, a rapid, full-service emergency restoration company that makes keeping your head above water as easy as 1, 2, 3.

#1 #2 #3

REMEDIATE DISASTERS

First things first. The immediate, critical process of cleaning, sanitizing, and restoring property to mitigate damage from water, fire, mold, sewage, and trauma begins with making the call to KPM Restoration first.

When there’s an emergency, KPM Restoration is available 24/7 within a two-hour radius of Saratoga Springs to take decisive action. They work with you from start to finish, so you’re not sunk. By walking with you through the insurance claim process, securing the site, removing hazardous materials, rebuilding and restoring the property, they ensure you get a fair assessment, salvage your investment, and provide you peace of mind.

RECONSTRUCT STRUCTURES

In 2025, KPM Restoration quickly and efficiently completed 450+ commercial and residential projects.

After his early beginnings at his father’s company, Kennedy Tree Care in Millbrook, NY, Jamie Kennedy branched out to form Kennedy Property Maintenance, which grew to include 4,000 properties along the East Coast, from West Virginia to Massachusetts. He opened KPM Restoration on Maple Street in Saratoga in 2017 and after adding disinfection and sanitization services during the COVID pandemic, moved to a warehouse and office space three times the size in Malta in 2021. An addition was built on the following year.

Today, KPM Restoration has grown to employ a crew of as many as 40 people (including Jamie’s father and his mother, who has since retired) running a fleet of 23 vehicles, most emblazoned with the unmistakable bright orange KPM Restoration branding signifying top-notch guys are on the scene with industrial grade equipment ready to put you back on an even keel.

REBUILD LIVES

KPM Restoration is the company people repeatedly return to (and refer their friends to) when the unexpected barrels in.

After Northshire Bookstore incurred water damage last summer from flooding in an upstairs apartment, suffered significant losses to its book and gift inventory, and shuttered its doors, it was KPM Restoration who was there to help them reopen.

This is just one of the many examples of havoc that water can cause. When pipes get cold, they break, creating noticeable water damage. Many major problems, however, start out appearing less sinister. Even slowly dripping water can accumulate quickly and can start growing mold in less than 72 hours. Black mold lurking behind drywall causes difficulty breathing, headaches, and other ailments, which is why KPM Restoration also does preventative maintenance for its clients.

In 2025, KPM Restoration came to the rescue after 65+ fires, so this year, they’re swiftly taking comprehensive fire damage cleanup, including smoke odor removal, structural repairs, soot removal, and restoration services to the next level.

For more information, follow @kpmrestoration on Facebook and Instagram and visit kpmrestoration.com

Advice for the Homeowner

ROBOT MOWERS ARE ALL THE BUZZ

WRITTEN BY MEGIN POTTER | PHOTOS PROVIDED

Smart lawn care that employs quiet machines to mow turf is the future of landscaping - and that future is now. The difference? It’s like night and day.

By selling, servicing, and adopting autonomous cutting-edge tools into their landscaping fleet, Brennan Landscaping is winning the turf wars, day and night.

After 35+ years of designing, installing, and maintaining landscapes, Tim Brennan eagerly integrated the use and sales of Segway satellitesynced robot mowers at Brennan Landscaping. There’s been an increasing demand for both this cutting-edge equipment, including the new Segway Navimow and Terranox mowers, at his 451 Peek St., Schenectady warehouse. Last year, Brennan Landscaping was among the Top 10 Segway Navimow dealers in the country.

Professional landscapers and homeowners alike are attracted to these eco-conscious GPSguided machines because they save on labor, require minimal maintenance, and are equipped with headlights (and run so quietly) that they can keep rolling - even at night.

WE ARE ON A ROLL

Turf and terrain are no match for the newest generation of mowers at Brennan Landscaping. Updated with innovative performance technology and hands-free automapping, for these mowers, small, medium, and large lawns are all fair game.

All-star lawns start with the Segway Navimow i Series, now with all-wheel drive, and the superior LIDAR technology (that integrates spinning 360 3D vision with its GPS guidance technology) to successfully avoid obstacles in lawns less than a quarter acre.

The Segway Navimow H2 Series is drop and go, with its nubby tires, LIDAR, and exacting edgesensing capabilities, it constantly delivers on midsize lawns less than three quarters of an acre.

START FROM THE GROUND UP

Even though we’re living in the future, Brennan Landscaping still adds that personal touch.

“When we utilize the robotic mowers, we will still come to trim and weed whack, as needed,” said Tim. By automating the routine tasks, his skilled staff can focus more on the details. “When we are there, we can do more because these mowers are very, very low maintenance.”

The robotic mower’s razor thin blades don’t usually accumulate clippings, and can shave grass up to 4” high, or as close as ¾” (perfect for pristine golf courses and sports fields), for approximately 200-250 hours before needing to be replaced, typically three to four times a season.

STAY A CUT ABOVE

For larger lawns, the Segway Navimow X4, with its 17” blades and All-Wheel-Drive zero-turn capabilities, can go places once impossible. The Segway Navimow X4 tackles lawns as large as an acre-and-a-half, while the Segway Terranox has been tailored to masterfully cut three-to-six-acre tracts without rutting-up even just rained-on turf. Both Segway’s Navimow X4 and Terranox conquer 40-degree inclines, power over tree roots, or quickly divert and go around (if a ball bounces in its path, for instance) without its double disc blades skipping a beat.

No matter how much others envy your immaculate lawn, the high-quality Segway Navimow X-Series and Terranox anti-theft deterrent and tracking systems protect your investment, because if either of these powerhouses are picked up, a loud alarm sounds, and users are automatically alerted via the contractor and homeowner apps.

“I think AI is the future for everything,” said Tim. “Over the years, robotic mowers have been getting smarter and more capable of going more places. People don’t have a lot of time today, so this can add another hour or so to their week. It improves their quality of life, and they’ll definitely have a betterlooking lawn. The difference is like night and day.”

Segway Navimow i-Series robotic mowers start at $1299+

For more information, follow @ brennanlandscapinginc on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube, and visit brennanlandscapinginc.com

Sealing the Way to a Better Driveway

PHOTOS PROVIDED

In the Northeast, asphalt driveways take a beating. Between freezing winters, spring thaws, summer heat, and plow season, wear and tear is inevitable - which is why proper maintenance matters more than most homeowners realize.

For Aaron Bovee, owner of Elite Sealcoating & Property Services, driveway care isn’t about quick fixes... it’s about protecting and pro-longing an investment.

“Sealcoating isn’t just cosmetic. Done correctly, it extends the life of your driveway, prevents water intrusion, and helps avoid more costly repairs down the road.”

Founded in 2013, Elite Sealcoating & Property Services is a family-owned business rooted in Saratoga Springs. Aaron, a Saratoga native and graduate of Saratoga Springs High School, brings a background in mechanics, precision, and hands-on craftsmanship to every project. These are values that have become the cornerstone of Elite’s reputation.

ELEVATE YOUR EXPERIENCE

Whether riding in a golf cart at Saratoga National Golf Course, pulling into a commercial parking lot around town, or driving through Saratoga’s luxurious neighborhoods, you’ve likely experienced the difference Elite Sealcoating & Property Services can make.

While driveway maintenance may appear straightforward, Aaron emphasizes that no two asphalt surfaces are the same. Factors such as driveway size, asphalt composition, drainage, sun exposure, surrounding landscapes or hardscapes, and existing cracks all influence how a surface wears, and how it should be maintained.

One of the most commonly underestimated aspects of asphalt maintenance is preparation.

Proper cleaning, clearing debris from cracks, selecting the correct crack fillers, and applying sealer evenly within a narrow window of ideal weather conditions are all critical to achieving lasting results. Temperature fluctuations or unexpected rain can quickly compromise a project if timing isn’t right.

For this reason, Elite offers professional evaluations and estimates that help property owners better understand the condition of their asphalt and the options available to them.

DETAILS MATTER

Elite’s approach is intentionally thorough. Each project begins with careful evaluation and preparation, followed by using professionalgrade equipment and highest-quality commercial materials available in New York not typically available at retail stores. “We deal with bulk material in large tanks delivered by tractor trailers, which saves thousands of the store-bought plastic buckets from going into the landfills each year.”

“We focus on cleanliness, precision, and doing things the right way the first time,” says Aaron.

On job sites, Elite typically has multiple skilled operators working together (often including Aaron himself) ensuring efficiency, safety, and attention to detail from start to finish.

Beyond residential driveways, Elite Sealcoating & Property Services also specializes in commercial parking lots, precision laser-guided line striping, snow management, and comprehensive property solutions - all delivered with the same commitment to quality.

SEALING THE DEAL

Elite offers free project estimates based on type of asphalt, dimensions, photos, and key details such as layout, shade, and surrounding features like retaining walls or pavers.

Whether you’re maintaining your home or managing a commercial property, Elite Sealcoating & Property Services is a trusted partner in protecting your asphalt.

Experience the difference at the Elite Sealcoating & Property Services Saratoga Home & Lifestyle Show booth, @EliteSealcoatingPropertyServicesLLC on Facebook, @elitesealcoating_ on Instagram, and by visiting www.elitesps.com.

Mint to Be Serene Greens Refresh an

Outdated Kitchen

Empty-nesters Jeanne and Jim Daley dive into the next phase of their life in a cheerful kitchen that embraces versatility and sea glass greens in soft, soothing hues.

There were a lot of big decisions to make when Jeanne and Jim Daley decided to rehab their 30+-year-old kitchen. They loved the neighborhood where they had raised their three children, and thought the kitchen was beautiful when they first moved in. Through the years however, it had undergone a number of changes, and now the repainted countertops and cabinets were chipping. The kitchen needed an overhaul, said Jeanne. The couple met while both attended college at SUNY Oneonta, then, Jeanne and Jim, a Long Island native, married in 1990 and decided to call the Capital District home while Jim opened a branch sales office for Cutco Cutlery on West Ave. which ranked 17th in the nation. Jim then launched a 29-year-long career in advertising sales (the last 15 years of which he has been with Saratoga Publishing). Through his position, Jim discovered the conveniently located SE Kitchens & Baths, an award-winning remodeling company offering competitive pricing, free consultations, and design services.

Two years ago, the Daleys began shopping for new kitchen countertops but quickly discovered that their existing cabinetry was too worn out and wouldn’t be able to withstand the weight of something new. The kitchen’s layout was also inefficient, disorganized, and did not adhere to current code requirements.

“We were told, ‘when you do a kitchen renovation, do it once, and do it right’,” said Jeanne, so that’s what they were determined to do.

ENJOYING ISLAND LIFE

After several Saturdays spent at the SE Kitchens & Baths, 16 Leonard St. showroom in Gansevoort, SE Kitchens & Baths designed a kitchen for the Daleys that has a versatile blend of vintage charm and modern sophistication.

During a previous remodel, the original kitchen island had been removed. Now, both Jeanne and Jim are overjoyed to have a welcoming new center island (and its four upholstered swivel stools!) as the focal point of the light and airy space.

“I love the island! It’s really cozy. I’m so glad to have it back,” said Jeanne. “It’s my favorite thing in the space.”

Within the island there is room for a pull-out garbage and recycling station, bakeware, a large collection of cutting boards, and extra deep drawers for utensils and cutlery.

THE JEWEL OF THE SEA

By removing the kitchen’s soffit, the light mint green wall cabinetry was extended, creating a more open look that optimizes storage while creating a calming feeling that complements their existing wall color. The base cabinetry’s slightly darker tone adds a more dramatic moodiness to the kitchen that still pairs exceptionally well with the home’s existing natural hardwood floors and new no-maintenance white quartz countertops.

After struggling with backsplash choices, the Daleys decided on a classic white subway tile highlighted by decorative sea glass tiles in jewellike hues. Illuminated by recessed lighting and pendent lighting, this kitchen shines!

Striking contemporary stainless-steel appliances and black hardware, including 5” drawer and cabinet pulls, create a high contrast look with bold style. The low profile over-the-range microwave features a sleek design that the Daleys love, but its unique dimensions unexpectedly resulted in a more complex installation (because it requires longer mounting screws than a traditional appliance would).

ETHEREAL ENTERTAINING

When one of the cabinetry’s face boards arrived damaged, the renovation, which began in July, was delayed, leaving the Daleys without running water in the kitchen for longer than they had anticipated. To bridge the gap until the remodel was completed in September, they helped make entertaining easier by adding a water cooler to the beverage station.

After deciding to move the couch to the living room, they created a more ethereal entertaining experience by instead filling the space with two wheeled armchairs flanking the original wood-burning fireplace and a farmhouse-style table that can be turned and extended to seat 12, providing plenty of seating for when the family gathers together for a good meal.

By opening the slider door to the enclosed deck, Jim can easily cook hibachi on their natural gas-fed Blackstone grill year-round. With the kitchen’s new and improved layout and functionality, there’s now enough room for everyone (especially Jeanne’s mother, Lorraine, who helped make this beautiful new space a reality) to enjoy the space together the way it was always meant to be.

Visit www.sekitchensandbaths.com for ideas for your own kitchen and bath remodel today!

Making a Great Entrance

Our DIY Diva, Maureen Werther, shares her insights about designing and decorating your home …on your own!

Whether you call it the hallway, entrance, or foyer, when you open the front door to visitors, what they see there is often a first glimpse into the homeowner’s personality and style. Local author and DIY “Diva” Maureen Werther shares some insights, advice, and “lessons learned” as part of her home re-design journey.

Maureen, tell us a little bit about what led you to try your hand at DIY on a budget.

Maureen:

“I moved into my home in 2014 and within a year, my job had disappeared, forcing me to table some of the improvement projects I had in mind when I first bought the house.

Fast forward about 6-7 years. I had landed a new job as Communications Director for an association management firm, and my hours were long and busy, leaving me with little time - and even less energy - to start my own DIY projects during evenings and weekends. Two years ago, I decided to retire and pick up on my original decorating and design plans. I was tired of living in a house that, after nearly ten years, still did not feel truly like my home.

“Let’s Start at the Front Door”

Soon after moving in, my hallway quickly turned into a storage space. Because the house is so old (about 150 years old), closet space is pretty much non-existent, and the basement is a “challenge” to keep dry. So, the hallway unfortunately became a repository for winter gear, bikes, snowshoes, etc. It was definitely past the time to transform the neglected space into an integral part of the house, one that was inviting and conveyed a sense of drama and style that is so appealing to my personality.

Which brings me to my first piece of advice:

If you’re going to commit the time, energy and dollars, make sure it’s going to be something that YOU love! This advice works for someone like me. I don’t plan to sell my house anytime soon, if ever. So, I wasn’t restricted by the standard realtor advice of making everything neutral. Anybody who knows me would never describe my personality as “neutral!”

My initial plan was to strip down and restore the hardwood staircase. There were at least five different colors of paint that had been layered on over the years, and I thought having the natural wood would be such an improvement over the dingy and chipped mud-brown paint the last owner had unfortunately chosen.

That plan fell apart pretty quickly and brings me to my second bit of advice: Know Your Limits!

My experience in refinishing wood was cursory at best, and even though I followed the advice of my friends at Curtis Lumber (along with some very accomplished woodworkers on YouTube), it took hours of backbreaking and painstaking work scraping off years - no, decades - of old paint (not to mention the messy and toxic product I used for stripping the paint). And I had only finished one of the twelve steps in the staircase! When I finally got down to the natural wood, it became obvious why paint had been chosen by the previous homeowners. The wood was very worn, with some of the original nail heads beginning to break the surface. (I could just envision my socks getting snagged on an old nail and tumbling headlong down the stairs!)

Carpeting was a much better way to go. There’s something cozy and comforting about the feel of a nice soft carpet underfoot, especially in a very old and very drafty house, and I thought it would add warmth to the whole space.

Thanks to the folks at Ballston Carpet and Tile, I was able to find a great carpet on sale that would match the style and colors of my planned redesign for the entryway. It was a rugged pile that would withstand people and cat traffic! The installation was quick and painless, and I could not be happier with the result. I still want to venture into furniture refinishing, but starting with an entire staircase is probably not the best project for a beginner.

Coming back to the “drama” component of my DIY redo, I decided to give the foyer a more Victorian feel, partly as an homage to some of the beautiful examples of Victorian architecture and design in the community, but mostly because I adore big cabbage roses!

After finding a pattern and color scheme I loved, I promptly ordered the wallpaper. The cost was $50/roll, which was a little pricey for my budget, but I decided it was worth it, and I would save dollars elsewhere.

Remember my second piece of advice about knowing your limits? Well, that flew out the window with the wallpaper project. The closest I’d come before to wallpapering was putting contact paper in my drawers and kitchen shelves. This job was a real first for me, but I was determined to make it work. Granted, it was a ‘peel and stick’ paper, which made the job infinitely easier. However, I had more than one “I Love Lucy” moment, getting tangled up in sticky lengths of paper, while balancing on my stepladder. I very quickly worked out a method that would allow me to do this job solo, and to do it right.

My third, and possibly most important, piece of advice: Having the right tools for the job.

Growing up, I would often hear my dad say, “If you don’t have the right tools for the job, you’re gonna be frustrated and end up making mistakes.” And boy, was he right! If you are going to commit to a successful and rewarding DIY project, make the necessary investments in the tools and aids you will need to complete the job.

If you are working on your own, I cannot stress the importance of this point enough. As a single woman “of a certain age,” I needed tools that would help me in lifting, moving, and transporting heavy or cumbersome items. I also needed tools and equipment that would allow me to do jobs that were typically meant for two sets of hands.

Of course, if you have some extra muscle around the house, by all means, take advantage of it!

COST BREAKDOWN – DIY FOYER

Paint/Wallpaper

1 gallon Benjamin Moore Premium Paint $100

1 gallon primer $50

6 rolls peel ‘n stick wallpaper $300

Paint Supplies

$20

Carpeting (product and installation) $1,800

Chandeliers (purchased on sale, with disc) $70

Electrical Installation $200

TOTAL $2,540

One last piece of advice I would give you:

Create a budget and stick to it!

It is a fantastic feeling to enter a room that you’ve transformed, knowing that you created that space yourself! Don’t sabotage the effort by overspending and having your joy turn into nagging guilt because you spent more money on it than you can afford. Take your time when making design and decor decisions. Believe me, if something in the antique store that you loved isn’t there the next time you visit, it’s usually a sign that it wasn’t meant to be, and something even better will come along. That has happened to me more times than I can count, and I’ve also become a more prudent and efficient planner and shopper in the process.

So, Maureen, What’s the next space you’ll be working on?

Right now, I’m working on painting ceilings and trim in my living room and my “parlor.” It’s taken me a while to get the right colors for each room. I’ve learned how tricky that can be. Something that looks perfect in the morning light may look totally different on a cloudy day, or at different times of the day. So, I’ve taken my time and tried to follow my own advice. I can’t wait to share those spaces in an upcoming feature!

Thanks, Maureen. We can’t wait to see it!

Watch for another installment of the DIY Diva in Simply Saratoga H&G, due out in May!

Go Where the Syrup Flows

Planners, producers, and last-minute lookers all find liquid gold when they login to the NYS Maple Producers Association’s Maple Weekend website mapleweekend.com.

The New York State Maple Weekend tradition started in 1995 and slowly expanded into a four-day event spread over two weekends (happening this year on March 21-22 and March 28-29, 2026). Organized by the New York State Maple Producers' Association, the event celebrates sugaring season with pancake breakfasts, tours, free tastings, marvelous maple products for sale, and more. Thurman’s Maple Days, a townwide event in the Adirondack foothills, New York’s “Maple Capital,” happens on three consecutive weekends and coincides with the statewide celebration, so you can spread out your adventure over multiple days and locations.

Whether you’re dreaming of drizzling or pouring puddles of fresh maple syrup on top of those fluffy pancakes, the Maple Weekend Website gets you where you want to go!

Type “Maple Weekend” into Google search and the AI Summary appearing at the top of the page provides accurate basic information. The official New York State Maple Producers’ Association website is the first result to appear.

Maple Weekend’s simple but compelling homepage immediately lets you know you’re in the right place and delivers direct, actionable content in seconds. This website performs better on a desktop, but if you have a mobile device and are already familiar with the event, jump onto the intuitive dropdown menu in the upper right-hand corner and tap on the Producer Map.

Once here, enlarge the map to find your preferred location and tap on a blue dot to immediately zoom to that area. Tap on a brown dot to discover site details including, address, directions, participation dates, a description of Maple Weekend activities, products offered, and links to the producer’s social media pages and website.

Stick around on the straightforward Maple Weekend website to tour a gallery of past events and read FAQs (about accessibility and what to wear, for example). Link to the NYS Maple Producers Association (nysmaple.com) for stand-out recipes, educational resources, membership info, and sugar maker success tips.

Select the link to Cornell’s Sugar Maple Program for All Things Maple, including the Sweet Talk podcast. Enter the Maple Resources section for classroom curriculum and information about the Mobile Maple Experience (a traveling evaporator that brings the excitement of syruping season directly to you –regardless of the weather).

S-appy trails!

BETTER BITES

WITH

BUILDING SKILLS, CONFIDENCE AND HEALTHY HABITS

Cooking with kids is about much more than making a meal—it’s an opportunity to build lifelong skills, encourage healthy eating habits, and create meaningful family connections. When children are invited into the kitchen, they gain confidence, curiosity, and a better understanding of where their food comes from.

WHY COOKING WITH KIDS MATTERS

Encourages Healthier Eating

Kids who help prepare meals are more likely to try new foods, especially fruits and vegetables. Hands-on involvement builds familiarity and reduces food hesitations.

Builds Life Skills

Measuring, following steps, and timing tasks help develop math, reading, and problem-solving skills— all while having fun.

Supports Independence and Confidence

Completing a recipe gives children a sense of accomplishment and pride. Even small tasks help kids feel capable and included.

Creates Positive Food Memories

Cooking together strengthens family bonds and turns mealtime into a shared experience rather than a chore.

AGE-APPROPRIATE KITCHEN TASKS

Ages 2–4

• Washing fruits and vegetables

• Stirring ingredients

• Tearing lettuce or herbs

Ages 5–7

• Measuring ingredients

• Cracking eggs

• Assembling simple snacks

Ages 8–12

• Chopping soft foods (with supervision)

• Following simple recipes

• Using small appliances with guidance

SAFETY FIRST IN THE KITCHEN

• Wash hands before cooking

• Review basic knife and heat safety

• Assign age-appropriate tasks

• Keep the kitchen organized and clutter-free

Teaching safety alongside cooking builds awareness and responsibility.

MAKE

IT FUN AND EDUCATIONAL

• Talk about where foods grow

• Explore colors, textures, and flavors

• Let kids choose a fruit or vegetable to feature

• Celebrate creativity—even if it gets a little messy

Mistakes are part of learning, and curiosity should always be encouraged.

SIMPLE WAYS TO GET STARTED

• Start with no-cook recipes or snacks

• Try themed meals (color day, veggie of the week)

• Cook with seasonal ingredients from local farmers’ markets

• Keep recipes simple and repeat favorites

Berry Breakfast Tacos

• 1 cup mixed berries, frozen

• 1 traditional flatbread or tortilla, whole grain preferred

• 1 ½ teaspoons tapioca, uncooked

• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

• 1 – 2 tablespoons whipped cream cheese

• 1 tablespoon honey

• Non-stick cooking spray

INSTRUCTIONS:

Pre-heat the oven to 375 degrees. Stir the frozen berries, tapioca and cinnamon together.

Stir the cream cheese and honey together. Spread a thin layer of the cream cheese and honey mixture onto half of the flatbread or tortilla. Add the berry mixture on top of the cream cheese spread. Fold the flatbread in half. Place it onto a non-stick baking sheet sprayed coated with the non-stick cooking spray.

Bake for 15 - 20 minutes.

Top it off with yogurt glaze:

 Yogurt Glaze: Stir together 3 oz. Plain yogurt, 1 tablespoon of milk, 1 tablespoon of honey and 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract.

COOKING IS A RECIPE FOR HEALTHY HABITS

When kids cook, they’re not just learning how to prepare food—they’re learning how to care for their bodies, make thoughtful choices, and enjoy real food. These early experiences can shape a healthier relationship with food that lasts a lifetime. Cooking together doesn’t have to be complicated. Start small, keep it fun, and enjoy the time spent creating something nourishing—together.

Learn more about Jodie at jodiefitz.com, founder of Better Bites Foundation or visit betterbitesbunch.com