The Real Deal on Covering Your Sink Before Vacation: The Truth About the “Upside-Down Glass” Hack (And How to Actually Protect Your Home)

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The Real Deal on Covering Your Sink Before Vacation: The Truth About the “Upside-Down Glass” Hack (And How to Actually Protect Your Home)
Instead of worrying about upside-down glasses, let’s use a few minutes to do the things that actually protect your home and your peace of mind. Lowering your travel anxiety is the best thing you can do for your heart and your circulation!

1. The 30-Second Water Run

Right before you walk out the door, turn on every sink, shower, and bathtub in the house for about 30 seconds. This guarantees that every single P-trap in your house is filled to the brim with fresh water, creating a perfect, impenetrable seal against sewer gases and bugs.

2. Turn Off the Main Water Valve

This is the ultimate old-fashioned wisdom! If a hose bursts or a toilet runs while you’re gone, it can cause thousands of dollars in damage. Find your main water shut-off valve (usually in the basement, garage, or near the water heater) and turn it off. It takes ten seconds and saves you from a massive headache.

3. Unplug the “Vampire” Appliances

Unplug your toaster, coffee maker, and microwave. Not only does this save a little electricity, but it also protects these appliances from unexpected power surges while you’re away.

4. Adjust the Thermostat

Don’t turn the heat or AC completely off, or you risk frozen pipes in the winter or mold in the summer. Just adjust it to an “eco” setting—about 60°F in the winter and 80°F in the summer.

The “Welcome Home” 3-Ingredient Avocado & Chickpea Smash

There is nothing quite like the feeling of walking back into your own home after a trip. The house is safe, the air is fresh, and the plumbing is working perfectly! But traveling can be exhausting, and the last thing you want to do is cook a massive meal.
Since I am always looking for ways to support my circulation and keep my blood vessels relaxed after the stress of travel, I always have the ingredients ready for my 3-Ingredient Welcome Home Avocado & Chickpea Smash.
It takes exactly five minutes, requires zero cooking, and is packed with the heart-healthy fats and fiber my body craves after a trip. And because my children absolutely do not share my love for avocados, I get to enjoy the whole bowl myself!

Ingredients You’ll Need

  • 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas: Rinsed and drained very well. Substitute: Cannellini beans work beautifully for a creamier texture.
  • 1 large, ripe avocado: The star of the show! The monounsaturated fats are fantastic for relaxing blood vessels and supporting healthy circulation.
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice & a pinch of sea salt: The acid brightens the flavor and keeps the avocado beautifully green.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. The “Rough” Mash: Pour the rinsed chickpeas and the scooped avocado flesh into a medium bowl. Using a fork or a potato masher, gently mash them together. Crucial tip: Leave it chunky! You want the texture of the beans to contrast with the creamy avocado.
2. Season and Rest: Drizzle the fresh lemon juice over the top and sprinkle with sea salt (and a little black pepper if you like). Fold it gently. Let it sit for 2 minutes so the flavors meld.
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