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20 Family Dinner Conversation Starters
July 30, 2021
We all know that family gatherings during the holidays can be overwhelming. Between extended family visiting from out of town and crowded homes, you might be too exhausted to hold a conversation with loved ones. To help you out, we’ve come up with 20 “table topics” to keep the gathering lively.
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- What would you name a snowman?
- Where would you like to visit during the winter?
- In the summer, would you rather go camping and sleep in a tent or stay in a hotel?
- What would you like to do this winter that you’ve never done before?
- Would you rather go to the beach or play in the snow?
- Have kids tell everyone how they think their parents met.
- What was the best thing about your day?
- What was the worst thing about your day?
- Name 3 foods you will never eat.
- What is the best gift you’ve ever received?
- Describe the person sitting to your right or left in 3 words.
- What is your greatest strength?
- What habit would you most like to break?
- What is something you’d like to start?
- Think about who you respect the most. What is it about them that you respect?
- What do you do to get yourself out of a bad mood?
- What are your goals for next year?
- If you could be famous for one thing, what would it be and why?
- If you could meet any one U.S. President, who would it be and why?
- What is one of your earliest memories?
Where to Store Your Decor
July 30, 2021
One of the best parts of the holiday season is breaking out all of your beautiful decorations or shopping for new ones. Filling your home with the joyful spirit is a priceless time that everyone enjoys. A lesser-enjoyed part of the season is taking down all of these decorations and deciding where to store them. Once the season is over, you’ll want to restore your home back to normal which can take time. If you’re having trouble trying to figure out what to do with your decor, take a look at these tips for storing smart. Christmas LinensBefore you think about storing your holiday linens (tablecloths, blankets, accent towels, etc.), put them in the washer to remove all stains and odors. To avoid the risk of damage from moisture, put the linens in a suitcase before placing into a closet. It’s best to keep linens out of the attic as the musty smell can be overpowering and soak into the linens. WreathsWreaths are tricky to store due to their irregular shape and sometimes delicate ribbon accents or bows. You’ll need to store them in such a way that the shape is preserved throughout the year. Search for a box that will have ample room for the wreath or special storage bags. These can go in the attic for the year. OrnamentsIf you are taking Christmas tree ornaments to the attic, be sure to store them safely. Smaller ornaments can be protected in egg cartons. For larger ornaments, create cardboard dividers to place into a plastic tote or use drawer dividers. CandlesYour favorite holiday scented candles are probably better off being stored in the home as opposed to the attic. Candles are more prone to the elements in the attic, which poses potential damage to the wick or the glass jar. Instead, wrap each candle securely in newspaper or bubble wrap and keep them at the top of a linen closet. This should give you a solid head start on efficiently storing your holiday decorations. Remember, the attic isn’t ideal for everything and it is important to use your best judgment when deciding how to preserve the decor.
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2020 Interior Design Trends
July 30, 2021
New year, new trends! 2020 is shaping up to be a big year in many different ways, especially in the world of interior design. Here is a little bit of the forecast for the beginning of the new decade. NeutralsNeutrals are pretty timeless, but they were pushed aside the past few years for brighter, more bold hues. Make room for them again in 2020 because they are slowly showing up everywhere. Homes with neutral shades give a more cozy and welcoming feel that instills a sense of peace. The main neutrals to look out for are shades of gray and beige. They’ll also look good on furniture. VelvetTextures have become a big hit in the fashion and interior worlds recently. Velvet is a blend of comfort and luxury, and makes for a great statement piece such as a sofa or accent chair in the living room. This is where brighter colors can come back into play. PatternsGeometric patterns are on the rise with no signs of slowing down in 2020. You can find almost anything with patterns such as wallpaper, backsplash, floor tiles and more. Be careful not to overdo it- one or two small areas in the home would give just the right amount of flair. Consider adding some patterned throw pillows to the sofa or redoing the tile in your laundry room for a little bit of joy every time you have to do chores! Canopy BedsA canopy bed is an easy way to add a more luxurious feel to your room. Luckily enough, they fall perfectly into the DIY trend as well, giving you free rein on custom options that best fit your style. Whether you purchase a canopy bed or build one, you will love the peaceful and regal atmosphere created in your room. WallpaperTalk about a throwback with a twist! In 2020, expect to see wallpaper everywhere. Floral prints are particularly gaining popularity again, but not the dingy pink florals that you may find in grandmother’s bathroom. Vibrant shades give the perfect accent to otherwise neutral areas. Try it in a small space first such as the guest bathroom or laundry room to see if it will work in your home. BlackThe return of black cabinets, sinks, paint and more is a nod to the roaring ‘20s with a millenial twist. Because they are trending to be paired with mixed metals and contrasted with whites and light grays, you won’t have to worry about the dullness of adding black to your home. Instead, get excited and go paint!
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2020 Home Goals
July 30, 2021
As another year comes to an end, it’s time to reflect on what you accomplished and new goals you want to set for the following year. This time is extra special since we are entering a new decade, which means a fresh start all around. Have you thought about goals you want to achieve for your home? Interior GoalsThe biggest long-term goal to set for the year inside of your home is simply keeping it clean. It can be easy to let clutter pile up day after day and forget about it until you’re looking over a mountain to find your keys! On January 1, decide with everyone in the household that you’ll pick up after yourself and avoid unnecessary clutter. It would also be beneficial to have a daily, weekly and monthly cleaning schedule to help stay on track. Another goal to set for the interior is remodeling. If you’re in an older home or simply want some upgrades, plan them out at the beginning of the year. This way, you can sit down and get an idea of what your budget will look like as well as specific details for the remodeling. How many rooms do you want to do? Looking to put new flooring throughout the house? Maybe it’s time for new paint or retouches. Write down every wish, dream and detail so that you have a tangible idea of what you want to achieve. Garage organization is another important thing to think about when setting your yearly goals. If you don’t have a workbench or shelving system to store things, consider building or purchasing one. Include regular sweeping in your cleaning plans as well to get rid of things that may come from outside such as leaves or little critters! Exterior GoalsCurb appeal is one of the most important aspects of your home. Let 2020 be the year that you keep up with your landscaping and have the most beautiful yard in the neighborhood. Just like cleaning the inside of your home, set a schedule for lawn maintenance and make room in the budget for any necessary equipment or services to get the job done.If you’re wanting to remodel any part of the outside of your home, January is the time to create your list and budget. Maybe you need new siding- check with companies in your area to compare prices and options, then schedule it out. Perhaps you’re hoping to add on such as a screened-in porch or front door steps- another opportunity to write out all necessary materials, costs and timelines. 2020 is going to be a big year for many reasons. Remember, goals are just that- goals. Don’t put yourself down if you don’t attain everything you plan out. The first and most important step is writing it out! Anything from there is an amazing achievement.
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Christmas Charity Opportunity: Columbia County Foundation for Children
July 30, 2021
As Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch said, “‘What if Christmas’, he thought, ‘doesn’t come from a store. What if Christmas, perhaps, means a little bit more?’”. Over 20 years ago, the late Barbara Beazley, along with other members in the local community, planted The Columbia County Foundation for Children with the goal of assisting disadvantaged youth and children. The Foundation is volunteer-run and heavily supports students in the Columbia County School System. If you are looking to give back more this holiday season, look into supporting the Columbia County Foundation for Children. During the holidays, children referred by the school system and social services are sponsored through the program to receive gifts for Christmas. Schools, businesses, churches and individuals in the area all donate new items such as clothing, toys and supplies to assist these families in having a little bit of much-needed Christmas cheer. Contributing to a cause such as this will not only help children in need during the holidays, but it will bring families and groups together for a larger purpose. In a world where disadvantaged children might otherwise feel excluded, the Columbia County Foundation for Children brings them joy and a sense of belonging. They deserve the best given their circumstances and you have the opportunity to play a small part in their magical Christmas! If you are interested in helping this great local organization, you can find more information here. Think about ways your business, church, or family can get involved and gather your resources together to provide assistance for children in need this season. It is a great way to give back to your neighbors in the Columbia County area who may not normally have a good Christmas.
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Starting Fresh: Why New Construction is the Way to Go
July 30, 2021
Is 2020 the year you buy a new home? If so, considering new construction can have many benefits. Once you look at the comparison between buying a used home with remodeling to be done versus a new construction home with warranties and a fresh start, the decision can be easy. The first reason to buy a new construction home is the pricing. The price of a new construction home is just about the same or a bit higher than a previously owned home that may need renovations. It can be difficult to gather up extra funds for renovations and may be more sensible to choose what you want from the ground up. Keep in mind to ask the right questions and know what to expect when you’re preparing to build a new home. Have a clear understanding of the price points for each feature and shop around for mortgage loans as opposed to going with the first company you meet. Another benefit of having a new construction home is that everything is clean and in tip-top shape the moment you close. You have the opportunity to choose the appliances that work best for you, the flooring that will be the easiest to clean, and paint colors to match your aesthetic. It will feel like walking into a real-life inspiration board and the best part is that it will be all yours! The home will be yours with every detail, even as small as the shape of your light fixtures. Having control over such big decisions is an advantage that you won’t always find when buying a previously owned home. New homes are more energy-efficient. With the constant innovation in lighting and appliances, you can almost guarantee a lower utility bill when buying new construction. The brand new insulation and HVAC units are a huge advantage and the warranties that come with appliances are just another benefit above a pre-owned home where you could end up with costly replacements later on. While there are many amazing benefits of purchasing a new construction home, these are just a few. For a local builder with years of experience, you won’t regret working with Bill Beazley Homes. Contact us with any questions you may have today and get into your dream home!
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Winter Landscaping
July 30, 2021
Landscaping and maintaining curb appeal can be a challenge during cold winter months. Occasionally, the CSRA will get warmer weather to break up the bitter chill but that isn’t always guaranteed. To keep your lawn and garden looking pristine through all seasons, enjoy these tips. Prune and TrimCut back overgrown shrubs to keep plants fresh and growing healthy. This will ensure beautiful blooms in the spring, leaving your yard the envy of the neighborhood. Another reason to prune in the winter is to prevent insect infestations and damage caused by potential ice storms. Clean DebrisIf you allow leaves and clutter to pile up over the grass, you’re more likely to have a dull-colored ground full of insects and other critters. Clear the lawn with a blower after your winter grass cutting to help protect it. Prep Plant BedsIf you plan to produce new plant beds in the spring, get a head start during the winter. Trim the edges nicely and research the timeline for the plant you are interested in using. Once they are installed correctly, they will bloom beautifully. Plant into a well-draining, elevated plant bed. Choose Good Winter PlantsIf you’re looking to plant something in the colder months that will still make your yard look beautiful, crabapples produce bright flowers. Their red, yellow, or gold berries will remain through the winter. Year-round perennials are also a good option to keep a vibrant focal point in your landscaping. FertilizeUse a rich fertilizer prior to freezing temperatures rolling in. This will help your lawn grow more green in the spring. Maintaining your landscape is a year-round task, but these are just a few extra steps to take as preventative measures in the winter. Making smart decisions now will reap extra benefits in the spring and keep your home picture-perfect.
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Picture Hanging Tips
July 30, 2021
The New Year has officially started and most of the holiday decorations are probably packed up by now. You may have been gifted a frame or two for Christmas or want to refresh your decor for the new decade. Whatever the case may be, it’s important to know how to hang pictures and frames properly. This is especially good to know if you’re renting a home or just bought a new home and don’t want to excessively pierce holes into the walls. Here are a few ideas to get your pictures hung with care: Choose the correct wall mount. Before busting out the hammer, consider the weight of the picture you’re hanging as well as the wall you plan to place it on. Placing a nail directly into a stud will provide more support for items that are hung, but be careful that they aren’t too heavy to risk ripping the nail out. Wall anchors are a great option for hanging pictures onto a wall with no studs around as they will steadily support a screw. Know the hardware on your frame. Most frames have some form of hanger on the back, so examine your piece to determine which type of hardware is included. Most heavier frames will have a reinforced wire hanging option to evenly distribute the weight when hung on the wall. Gather necessary tools.While a hammer is typically used to hang pictures, a drill or screwdriver may be necessary as well. A tape measure could also be useful to calculate where exactly the frame will hang and how far apart nails should be if multiples are needed. Levelers are a basic necessity for many projects, especially hanging. They will help you get an even hang the first time, every time. Hanging pictures and heavy frames can be quite the tedious chore, but it will be easier with the right tools and knowledge. Enjoy the refreshed decor in your home and create beautiful wall displays with ease!
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5 Myths to Bust About New Homes
July 30, 2021
When you start thinking about buying a new construction home, you may get some push back. People may assume certain things as fact when they have not researched themselves. These are 5 of the most common myths against buying a new construction home and how we have busted them.
Myth 1: You have to be rich.
For some reason, people tend to think of lavish custom mansions when the words “new construction” are used. However, that is far from the truth! Many new homes on the market are extremely comparable in price or slightly higher than existing homes. The benefit is having warranties on everything vs. saving up for additional repairs or remodeling in an existing home.
Myth 2: It’ll take forever.
You may have the idea that building a new home could take up to a year or longer. False! Efficient construction companies like ours can complete a new home within 4-8 months. With the pre-existing floor plans we offer, this timeframe could be even shorter.
Myth 3: It’s just too stressful.
When you choose to work with an experienced home builder, you’ll learn that a lot of the heavy load is off of your shoulders. Seasoned designers and customer care representatives are there to help you every step of the way to make custom decisions easier.
Myth 4: You have to find land in the middle of nowhere.
When working with a quality home builder like Bill Beazley Homes, you have a variety of modern neighborhoods in flourishing cities such as Evans, Grovetown and Aiken, just to name a few.
Myth 5: All builders use cheap materials.
You get what you pay for with new home construction. Our builders use quality materials that are sure to last. This will be a home that your family enjoys for years to come, if not your “forever” home.
Don’t allow the misconceptions of others to affect your decision in the home buying process. Sit down with our team today and let us bust these myths in person!