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History of New Year’s Celebrations
July 30, 2021
Ever wonder why we celebrate New Year’s the way we do? Here is a little history on how we got to the modern-day ball drop and champagne toasts. The earliest recorded New Year’s festivities date back around 4,000 years ago to ancient Babylon. For them, the day in March that had equal amounts of light and darkness began their New Year. They would celebrate with an 11 day religious festival. Around 46 B.C. Julius Caesar worked with prominent astronomers and mathematicians to introduce the Julian calendar, which added more months to help align the calendar with the sun. During this reform, Caesar declared January 1 the start of each new year. The name came after Janus, the Roman god of beginnings. In the 500s A.D. in medieval Europe, New Year’s celebrations were considered pagan and were abolished, but replaced with days that hold more religious significance such as December 25. In 1582, when the Gregorian calendar was reformed, Pope Gregory XIII re-established January 1 as New Year’s Day. Most Catholic countries adopted the change right away, but the British Empire did not accept this change until almost 200 years later. The most iconic tradition in the United States today is the New Year’s Eve ball drop at Times Square in New York City. It has taken place almost every year since 1907 and the ball itself has progressed over time from a 700 pound orb made of iron and wood to a nearly 12,000 pound sparkling ball that is 12 feet in diameter. The ball drop was inspired by the maritime tradition of dropping a time ball so sailors could adjust their chronometers while they were out at sea. Various cities across the country have adopted their own version of the famous NYC celebration as well. Fireworks are a custom around the world as well as singing songs to help ring in the new year, such as “Auld Lang Syne”. There are different ways to celebrate New Year’s, whether you are in a small town or traveling to Times Square. It is typically a bittersweet moment to pass from one year to another, but we are probably all ready to see 2021 now!
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Organizing Holiday Decor
July 30, 2021
Holiday decorations can be some of your most important items in the home. They may carry a significant sentimental value and/or be fragile and need to be handled with delicacy. This is why it can be such a tough chore to get ready to store them once the season is over. You would never want to damage any special items and you don’t want to forget about anything when the next season rolls around. Here are some of the best ways to keep your holiday decor organized for storage: Sort the ornaments.Once the ornaments come off of the tree, sort them into categories such as glass, sentimental, etc. Ornament organizing boxes are great because they come with dividers to keep each ornament separated, but if you can’t get one, a normal plastic tote will work just fine. You can cut dividers out of cardboard from an old box if you still want to keep them separated. Wrap the glass ornaments in newspaper or bubble wrap to ensure extra protection. Sort them in a box of their own and the unbreakables in another. Label each box with the type of ornaments that are inside. Tuck the tree away. If you have an artificial tree, hopefully you saved the box that it came in. This is the best way to keep it stored each year with minimal-to-no damage. If you don’t have the box anymore, most larger retailers have tree storage bags. Wrap the lights properly. One of the most frustrating things when decorating for the holidays is opening a box to find tangled lights. To save yourself the time and energy, wrap them around a light storage wheel or carefully place them in a box so they won’t get tangled with other strands. Separate indoor and outdoor decorations. Label your storage totes with room/area or outdoor usage. A bonus to add to this is to take a picture of the way each area is decorated before you take everything down, then attach it to the label on the tote. That way, you’ll remember where everything went when you are ready to decorate next year! This is a general overview of the best ways to keep your decor organized, and there are plenty more details when you get down to the sentimental items. Remember, labels, newspaper, and cardboard boxes are your friends.
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Plants that Thrive during Winter
July 30, 2021
Gardening doesn’t have to be a singular seasonal hobby. Believe it or not, there are plants that are great during the winter and make it possible to enjoy gardening year-round. Here is a list to get you started with winter gardening: Pansies Pansies as well as violas thrive in mild winter climates such as those we typically experience around the CSRA. Technically, they’re annuals, but they tend to drop seeds late in the winter and re-bloom in the spring. SnowdropsBlending in beautifully with winter and holiday decor, snowdrops are droopy flowers that look great around borders at a home’s walkway and can bloom even in the snow, hence the name! Winter JasmineThis one is a medium-sized shrub full of bright yellow flowers. For those with smell sensitivities, this one is not overly fragrant. It adds a pop of color to an otherwise dull winter landscape. PierisThis plant will bloom during mid to late winter with bell-like flowers hanging down from an evergreen shrub. Witch HazelFor a wispy, colorful shrub towards the end of winter, plant witch hazel. They come in a special winter-flowering variety and add color to your landscape. It is also widely used as an astringent for skincare! English PrimroseThis perennial blooms at the latter end of winter with various types to support multiple different areas and climates. CamelliaBringing pops of pink, red or white flowers to evergreen shrubs, hundreds of varieties of camellia bloom from fall through winter. Lily-of-the-ValleyAlthough the blooms appear dainty and delicate, this is a tough plant. It thrives in just about any soil or climate and adds a beautiful touch to any garden. PeoniesWith proper care and planting at the right time, these beautiful flowers can last for years. Check with your local home and garden store or gardening center for more advice on the best plants for your area as well as which varieties will be best for your home. No need to wait until spring to get the garden blooming!
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2021 Color of the Year
July 30, 2021
The Pantone Color Institute has announced that the color of the year for 2021 is actually a color duo. Pantone 17-5104 Ultimate Gray and Pantone 13-0647 Illuminating are two independent colors that highlight multiple elements coming together in support of one another. Ultimate Gray is a warming hue with a solid, classic shade, while Illuminating holds strength and positivity. After such an uncertain and unprecedented year, these colors bring about deep thoughtfulness with the hope of sunnier days. If you’re looking to redecorate any area of your home in 2021, consider using these simple colors as a palette base. Here are a few ideas: PaintUltimate Gray is a warm change from the typical Agreeable Gray you may see on walls. With a slightly darker tone, it encourages feelings of composure and steadiness. Illuminating could be used as an accent in kitchens or playrooms to bring about energy and happiness. FurnitureUltimate Gray is the perfect shade for a couch or sectional. Pair it with Illuminating in the form of accent blankets and throw pillows. Accent chairs would be great as well in the joyful yellow shade. Combining these colors on furniture will bring about a cheerful atmosphere in the home. CenterpiecesIf you’re not ready to commit to the colors of the year with big investments such as painting or furniture, consider easing in with centerpieces. A jar or box painted with Ultimate Gray and Illuminating yellow flowers would be a joyful addition to any table. BeddingThe muted hue of Ultimate Gray is perfect for a bedding set. If your walls are a lighter shade, this gray will provide a contrast that stays on trend without being too wild. Look for it in patterns if you’re wanting to venture out past a solid comforter or duvet cover. Illuminating throw pillows will help you wake up in the mornings with the happy, sunny feel of the color. The optimism and fortitude of this color pairing helps lift spirits and encourage moving forward after a tough year. Let it surround you in your home for brighter days ahead.
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Building a Smart Home - Beginners Edition
July 30, 2021
Have you begun to discover the smart home possibilities through small devices such as Alexa or a camera doorbell? Wonder what it’d be like to have your entire home at the command of your voice or phone? It’s easy to get hooked when you have weather forecasts, recipe assistance and more at the command of your voice. Does this sweet taste of an easier life make you want to convert your entire home this way? It’s possible, but it isn’t always easy. It may not be for you either, and that’s okay! The good thing about smart home devices is that they allow you to work at your own pace and you can set them to do as much or as little as you desire. If you’re ready to take the plunge, follow these helpful tips to get started. Set a Clear BudgetIt’s easy for costs to spiral out of control when you don’t know what exactly it is that you’re looking for and you see ads constantly for a ton of different devices. However, there’s plenty of competition in the home device market, so it can be easy to narrow down what you’re looking for by price point. There’s no need to buy everything at once if you’re just beginning, so start with a few basics and you can always add on later. Be Aware of Security Risks The reality of any smart home device that functions on Bluetooth or WiFi is that it has the potential to be breached. It’s a risk we take anytime we do something online. You don’t have to go without home automation, though, you just need to be cautious and aware. Purchase your devices from established and reputable brands as much as possible. Be sure to check reviews online as well. For anything that requires a password, choose a different password for each device. While it may be a hassle to store and remember multiple passwords, it could save you in the event of someone hacking your system. If you suspect anything has been breached, immediately change ALL of your passwords. Outline a Purpose for Your Smart HomeDo you want your home to be smarter for convenience? Security? To be more energy efficient? If you’re not sure why you’re wanting to build a smart home, come up with a few goals as a starting point. If you want convenience and energy efficiency, start with WiFi enabled light bulbs or a smart thermostat. If you want easy-to-manage security is at the top of your list, shop around for a smart home security system. Know the Truth from GimmicksSuccessful technology usually breeds about a gimmick or two from less-than-reputable businesses. If an item doesn’t really need to be smart, you may not need to give in to the sales pitch. Don’t add on unnecessary expenses by letting someone talk you into buying more. How long has this product been on the market? What are the reviews like? These are all things to consider when looking into companies and products for your home. Call the Pros When NeededSmart home devices are typically easy to put together and install. However, there may be some that stump you such as those involving electrical wires or your WiFi network. If you’re having an issue with any of your devices, call a local electrician or home networking technician to give you a second look for peace of mind. Creating your dream smart home isn’t always an easy process and it’s definitely not a one-stop shop, but it’s worth it when you’ve arrived at your goals of automation and easier, more secure living.
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The Importance of House Filters
July 30, 2021
It’s okay, we won’t judge if the first thing that comes to mind when you see the word “filter” is to make your photos better on social media. However, this read is all about the various types of filters you may find in your home and how important it is to maintain them. A/C Furnace FilterThe most commonly known type of filter in a home is the one for the air conditioning unit. If it becomes too dirty and clogged with debris, it could hinder the unit from working properly. This is because the unit will have to work harder to push cold air out but is blocked by debris. It is important to replace air filters at least once every 1-3 months. DryerIt is extremely important to clear the lint filter in your dryer after each load. It is typically located on the bottom line inside of a dryer and pulls out to reveal the lint collected. Excess lint in the dryer could cause overheating and is a potential fire hazard. For easier lint filter maintenance, keep a designated collection bag or trash can close to the dryer to dump the lint after each load. Heat Recovery Ventilator (HRV)A heat recovery ventilator is a fairly common piece of equipment in newer, energy-efficient homes. They exhaust the stale air and provide a source of filtered air into the home. They contain several filters that should be vacuumed or washed with soap and water regularly- check the owner’s manual if you have one for the best maintenance plan. Range HoodThe screens under the fans of your kitchen range hood can accumulate dust and grease over time, making their effectiveness decline. Clean it regularly according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Condensate NeutralizerIf your home has a gas furnace, it may contain a condensate filter to keep water discharge from polluting water lines. Check the manual for the furnace on how to keep this filter well-maintained. Taking some extra time to inspect these filters in your home will ensure safety and efficiency to put your mind at ease. Don’t hesitate to reach out to a professional if there’s anything you’re unsure about.
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Turning a Room Into an At-Home Office
July 30, 2021
Numerous workers have turned into remote employees this year due to the Covid-19 pandemic, and some of those positions have become long-term or permanent. If nothing else, 2020 taught us to be flexible. After all, we didn’t think staying home would last more than a few weeks yet here we are almost one year later. If you’re still trying to accomplish your work at the dining room table, it’s probably time to create a home office. Ideally, a spare room would be perfect but if you don’t have one, consider sprucing up a large closet or basement. Here are a few things to keep in mind when setting up an efficient home office space: Utilize Your SpaceA spare bedroom is the most commonly used type of office space to use at home. You’re able to close the door for privacy and focus and usually have natural light. However, work with what you have regardless. A large closet could fit a slim desk or a murphy-style desk that folds into the wall. Keep Ergonomics in MindBe sure your home office space is comfortable - after all, you’re spending a good chunk of time there nowadays. An office-type chair and appropriate height desk are necessary and worth the investment when shifting your work life to home. Consider All Who Will Use the SpaceAre you the only one in your household working from home or are there others who will need to rotate within the space? Try adding a table or large desk to the room where spaces can be across from each other or work out a schedule for each of you to be in the home office without distracting the other. Shine a LightNatural light is extremely important when it comes to focus and productivity. However, it can cause a glare at times. Arrange your desk so light from the window, overhead lights or lamps won’t cause a glare on computer or tablet screens. Check Your Internet SpeedFast and reliable internet is an essential factor of working from home. If you’ve had spotty service in the past or have multiple devices running on the internet throughout the day, discuss upgrade options with your provider or look into switching if you need to. There are perks from working at home, especially the commute saving gas and time! Do what you can to make your home work life as comfortable and effortless as possible.
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Best Order to Decorate Your House
July 30, 2021
Moving into a new home is always an exciting occasion. Once the closing process is complete and you have your keys, it’s time to grab the moving truck and begin transporting all of your belongings into your new place. Once the big furniture is in, what’s next? If you’re stumped on where to start with home decor, here is a simple order to work with.As far as which room to begin decorating first, it’s probably best to start with the high-traffic areas such as the living room and kitchen. Anywhere you plan to entertain guests and enjoy a relaxing moment to yourself is what should get the first bit of attention while decorating. By doing this, you’ll have the less-used rooms to keep furniture and other pieces out of the way while painting. First up on the list is painting. Where to start? Once you’ve decided which room in the home needs immediate attention, prep your surfaces by making sure the walls are free of any dents or holes. Start from the top of the wall and work your way down to the baseboards. If flooring is part of your decorating, be sure to worry about it AFTER painting. How awful would it be to lay new carpet or expensive wood down only to spill paint on it? It could also clash with the color of your walls, so it’s best to paint first and decide from there which flooring choice will complement it best. Once paint and flooring is taken care of, it’s time to figure out furniture placement. If there’s any new pieces you may need, go ahead and buy or order them to make sure they will complete each room. Keep in mind that furniture pieces such as sectionals or tables will need to fit properly in their respective rooms, so evaluate the area to know what you need before spending any additional money. After the larger jobs are out of the way, you can move on to making each room pretty and reflective of your personal style. Consider the size of each room and decide what accessories will best match the space. For example, you wouldn’t want to place a large floor lamp in a small bedroom where it would just be in the way. A new mounted light fixture may be the better option in that situation. You also wouldn’t want to fill a large living room with a loveseat and accent chair alone. When done in an efficient order, decorating your home will be a breeze. Then you can relax and enjoy your new space to the fullest!
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How to Use the 60-30-10 Rule in Your Home
July 30, 2021
If you have trouble finding balance when decorating your home, the 60-30-10 rule is a good guideline to follow. It is a simple concept that helps you put colors together seamlessly without letting them clash. First, you’ll carve out 60 percent as the main color for the room. This would be paint color, large accent pieces such as area rugs, or a sofa. This color will anchor the space and serve as a base for the following percentages. A neutral shade is typically the safer route to go with this percentage.30 percent will be the secondary color. You’ll aim to use half as much as your main color for this section. Think draperies, bed linens, accent tables or an accent wall. It will support the main color but also be noticeable enough on its own. It gives the room interest by breaking it up a bit. Lastly is your 10 percent, which focuses on an accent color. It could be throw pillows, artwork, lamps, candles, floral accents or anything else in the smaller category. Anything that will bring a pop of color without being too catchy or clashing with your main pieces is perfect. If the 60-30-10 rule seems too strict and tough to follow, you can deviate slightly by going with the 110 percent rule. However, your design can seem cluttered and disorganized if you go too far off of the path. To rebel a little bit though, you can stick with the 60-30-10 but add another accent color to switch things up. This is great for those who don’t want to stick with a simple palette but want to incorporate more colors or patterns. Pick colors that complement each other well instead of throwing a palette together haphazardly. It’s all about keeping a balance while creating a visually appealing space for you to enjoy day in and day out that will also keep your guests talking. When the 60-30-10 rule is followed properly, colors will flow together and reflect your personal style.
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