It’s hard to believe Thanksgiving is in just a couple of weeks. We don’t know about you, but we aren’t ready just yet! If you’re having everyone over for the holiday, meal prep can be a lifesaver during the busy holiday season. By taking some time to prepare ahead of time, you can reduce stress and ensure that you have delicious and nutritious meals on hand throughout the holidays.
Here are some tips for holiday meal prep:

1. Plan your menus. Before you start shopping or prepping, take some time to plan out your menus for the holidays. This will help you to avoid impulse purchases and ensure that you have all the ingredients you need.

Holiday meal prep plan

1. Make a list. Once you have your menus planned, make a list of all the ingredients you need. This will help you to stay organized and avoid last-minute errands.
2. Chop vegetables and herbs. This is a great way to save time on cooking day. You can chop vegetables and herbs a few days ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator.

Holiday meal prep chopped vegetables and herbs

1. Cook grains and starches. Grains and starches can also be cooked ahead of time and reheated when you're ready to eat. This is a great way to save time and ensure that you have a healthy side dish on hand.

Holiday meal prep cooked grains and starches

1. Prepare sauces and dressings. Sauces and dressings can add a lot of flavors to your holiday meals. You can make them ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator or freezer.

Holiday meal prep prepared sauces and dressings

1. Make a batch of soup or stew. Soup and stew are hearty and comforting meals that are perfect for the holidays. You can make a big batch ahead of time and freeze it into individual portions.

Holiday meal prep soup or stew

1. Bake cookies and other treats. Cookies, cakes, and other treats are a must-have for the holidays. You can bake them ahead of time and store them in the freezer.

We hope that your holiday season and the last quarter of the year is full of joy and not stressful. If you find yourself in need of a locksmith this season, we’re here and happy to help!

We often think about the locks on our home when it comes to a security measure, a lost key, or a move, but did you know weather can also affect your locks? Living in a client like Minesota where we can experience extreme temperatures, it’s something to think about.

To prevent weather from affecting your locks we’ve put together a few tips to help:

Dealing with Locks in the Winter - Snow and ice can impact the way a locks function. Applying a lubricant that is built to endure freezing temperatures can prevent your locks from freezing or getting jammed during our cold Minnesota winters.

Protect Your Locks from Direct Sunlight – If you thought snow and ice were bad for locks, think about how direct sunlight can affect them. While most locks are made to endure normal rain or snow (or moisture in general) and some exposure to sunlight, constant exposure can cause the metal parts to overheat. If the location of the lock is out of your control, consider using a canopy or any type of shade to help. This can protect the lock and regulate temperature.

Safeguard Locks with Weatherproof Products – Protecting your locks with a weatherproof product (meant for locks of course) can give an added layer of protection while dealing with changing elements. Some lubricants, such as WD-40, can actually damage locks over time, so be sure to check before using a product.

What else can help keep your locks working properly?

Keeping your locks clean and lubricated. This will help to prevent rust and corrosion. You can use a graphite lubricant, or a spray lubricant specifically designed for locks.

Check your locks for signs of damage or wear and tear. If you find any problems, have the locks repaired or replaced immediately.

Of course, if it is time for a new or replacement lock, we’re here to help!

It's hard to believe the summer has flown by and the kids are heading back to school. Whether they are starting school soon or have already here started, here are some home tips that you may find helpful:

• Get organized. This is a great time to go through your child's belongings and get rid of anything they don't need or use anymore. This will help to declutter their space and make it easier to find what they need.
• Set up a homework station. This could be a desk in their bedroom, the kitchen table, or even a corner of the living room. Make sure they have everything they need to do their homework, such as a desk lamp, a pencil case, and a calculator.
• Create a morning routine. This will help your child get ready for school in a timely manner and avoid stress. The routine could include things like waking up at the same time each day, eating breakfast, getting dressed, and packing their backpack.
• Pack lunches ahead of time. This will save you time in the morning and help your child eat a healthy lunch. You can pack lunches the night before or on the weekend.
• Set a good example. If you want your child to be organized and prepared for school, it's important to set a good example. This means being organized yourself and making sure you have everything you need for work or other commitments.
• Be supportive. Back to school can be a stressful time for both kids and parents. Be there to support your child and help them through any challenges they may face.

We'd love to hear what you do to keep things runnig smooth in your home! 

​Did you know that there are many different types of locks in the world, each with its own unique design and purpose? Some of the most common types of locks include:

• Padlocks are small, portable locks that are often used to secure gates, doors, and other objects. Padlocks are typically made of metal and have a shackle that can be inserted into a hole to secure the lock.
• Deadbolts are large, heavy-duty locks that are often used to secure doors. They are typically made of metal and have a bolt that extends into the door frame to prevent the door from opening.
• Knob locks are a type of lock that is operated by turning a knob. They are often used on doors and cabinets.
• Lever locks are a type of lock that is operated by pushing or pulling a lever. These types of locks are often used on doors and cabinets.
• Combination locks are a type of lock that is opened by entering a specific combination of numbers and are often used on luggage and gym lockers.
• Electronic locks are a type of lock that is opened by using a key fob, card, or other electronic device. They are often used on doors, gates, and cars.

Have we left a type of lock off the list? We’d love to hear from you. Minnesota Locks, we will always help you find the best option for your home or business in the Twin Cities if you are looking for a new type of lock. 

​Are you moving this summer? Moving can be stressful and overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be. Here are some tips to help you make your move as smooth as possible:

1. The more you plan, the less stressful your move can be. You can start by creating a moving timeline and a checklist to help keep you on track and help remember the important things that need to be done.  
2. Before you start packing, take some time to declutter your belongings to get organized. Get rid of anything that you don't use or need. This will make packing and unpacking much easier.
3. Don't wait until the last minute to start packing! Start packing a few weeks before your move to give yourself plenty of time and avoid feeling rushed.
4. Label your boxes clearly with the room that each box belongs in can make it easier to unpack when you arrive at your new home. You can also include a list in the box of what is inside to help, depending on what kind of time you need.
5. If it’s in your moving budget, hiring professional movers is a great way to make moving easier. Professional movers have the experience and expertise to pack and transport your belongings safely and efficiently, so you don’t have to worry.
6. Moving can be physically and emotionally draining so be sure to take breaks throughout the process. This will help you stay refreshed and avoid getting overwhelmed.
7. Moving is a big undertaking, that’s why it’s important to be patient with yourself and others during the process. There will be unexpected delays and challenges. Just take things one step at a time and don't get discouraged.

These are just a few tips to help make your life a little easier! Once you get situated, be sure to reach out to your favorite locksmith to help update your locks and keep your new place secure. 

​If you need a car locksmith in the Twin Cities, it's important to find a qualified one, but it's not always easy. Here are a few tips for finding a qualified car locksmith:

• Get recommendations from friends or family. If you know someone who has had a good experience with a car locksmith, ask them for a recommendation.
• Check with the Better Business Bureau. The Better Business Bureau can provide you with information about the locksmith's business practices.
• Make sure the locksmith is licensed and insured. This will protect you in case something goes wrong.

So now that you've found a locksmith, what will it cost? That's a good question! The cost of car locksmith services will vary depending on the type of service you need. In general, you can expect to pay between $50 and $200 for a  service, such as making a new key. More complex services, such as repairing a broken ignition, can cost more.

Car locksmiths can provide a variety of services to help you keep your car running smoothly. If you need a car locksmith, be sure to do your research and find a qualified one.

Car locksmiths are often called upon to help with a variety of problems, from lost keys to broken ignitions. Here are some of the most common car locksmith problems:

• Lost keys: This is the most common car locksmith problem. If you lose your car keys, you'll need a locksmith to make a new set.
• Broken ignitions: Ignitions can break for a variety of reasons, such as wear and tear or a car accident. If your ignition is broken, you'll need a locksmith to repair it.
• Seized locks: Locks can seize up for a variety of reasons, such as exposure to water or dirt. If your locks are seized, you'll need a locksmith to unfreeze them.
• Tampered locks: If you suspect that your locks have been tampered with, you should call a locksmith immediately. Tampered locks can be a sign of a break-in attempt.

How can you prevent some of these problems? Here are a few tips:

• Make sure you have a spare set of keys. This is the best way to avoid a car lockout.
• Keep your keys in a safe place. Don't leave them in your car or on your key ring.
• Have your locks serviced regularly. This will help to prevent them from seizing up.
• Be aware of your surroundings. If you see someone tampering with your locks, call the police immediately.

Finding a qualified car locksmith is key in any area you are in. If you are in the Twin Cities or surrounding suburbs, we can help. Be sure to check our about page for the locations we support. 

Did you know that Rekeying your locks is a great alternative to replacing your locks altogether?

Lock rekeying can be a great alternative to replacing locks for your home or business and it can also be more cost effective. Lock rekeying works to reconstruct the internal pins of your lock so it can use a new key. If your lock is in good working order, rekeying can be a great way to restore security if you need new keys. Rekeying can also be done a lot faster than it takes to replace your locks.

While lock rekeying is fast and affordable, there may be some circumstances where we may recommend a new lock altogether. Some of those circumstances could be if a lock is more than a few years old, if your security needs have changed, or you have a master key that the locks are no longer compatible with.
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Of course, at Minnesota Locks, we will always help you find the best option for your home or business in the Twin Cities. 

Have you ever considered a safe for your home? Many people over look them, but it can be a great place to keep your valuables and important documents safe (no pun intended). Not only can it prevent theft, but some safes are also fire or waterproof which your valuables can even withstand a home disaster.

A safe isn’t just for money, but you can protect jewelry, heirlooms, documents like passports and marriage certificates, and so much more. Small safes are great for protecting the essentials like those listed above, but larger safes are also an option.  Having a safe in your home can help protect children in the home if there are items you need to keep out of reach. So now, you just need to decide what type of safe you will get and what items you need to keep in it!
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While we don’t specialize in safes or carry them at Minnesota Locks, we are happy to help make recommendations for you! 

 As a professional locksmith, we take the sercurity of our customers very seriously. While we can get you back into your business if you’re locked out, that’s not the only value we bring to the table.

We can also help with:

• Locks Installed
• Combinations Changed Keys Made for Desks, File Cabinets, Etc.
• Access Control Locks
• Installed Padlocks 
• Gaining access to business
• Copy building keys
• Re-key or Master keys
• Controlled access
• Push button locks
• Panic bars, door closers, adams rite, mortise locks ​
• Door buzzers
• File cabinet keys from code
• Site security assessment and just about any other key related issue for your commercial property.

 
We utilize our skills and expertise with experience to deliver you with the best service in West Saint Paul and the surrounding area. If you need help with your business, we’re here for you!