A new year means a fresh start. With that typically comes decluttering and resolutions for minimalism. It’s also a time to reconsider what to do to help better your community, especially after having gone through such a tough year under a pandemic. Whether you’re looking to donate unneeded goods, time or resources, aim for local organizations first to give back to the CSRA. Here are a few to get you started: 

Clothing: Columbia County Foundation for ChildrenThe Columbia County Foundation for Children was started more than 20 years ago by the late Barbara Beazley. One of the main features of the Foundation is the Helping Hands Thrift Store located in Appling. They provide items and services that help better the lives of children in need that are in the area. If you have any clothes or shoes that need to be donated, reach out to the Foundation by contacting them here. 

Clothing: Catholic Social Services Thrift StoreLocated on Wrightsboro Road in Augusta, the Catholic Social Services Thrift Store has a mission of supporting neighbors in need and has done so since their founding more than 30 years ago. They offer everything from gently-used clothing to toys, furniture, jewelry and more. Proceeds from the store support the Catholic Social Services of Augusta, a ministry that provides emergency assistance to individuals in need around the CSRA. Find more information on the store and how to volunteer here. 

Clothing, Money, Cars and More: The Salvation ArmyThe Salvation Army operates centers across the United States and does a great deal of help at their location in the Augusta area. As an evangelical-centered organization, The Salvation Army aims to “do the most good” to feed, clothe, comfort and care for those in need. If you are able to donate any items or resources, click here for more info. 

Aluminum Cans: Burn Foundation of AmericaDo you have a large collection of empty soda cans that need to be recycled? The Joseph M. Still Burn Center at Doctors Hospital in Augusta would be happy to get them off of your hands. Drop-off locations can be found here. 

 One of the most exciting aspects of building a semi-custom home with Bill Beazley Homes is choosing your interior and exterior selections. A portion of selections are made online after your contract has been signed, and then you will have an in-person appointment with a designer to pull the selections together and see real-life samples. While you may have some ideas ahead of time about what you want your home to look like, the process can be overwhelming as well and decision-making may be more difficult than it initially seems. The designers at Bill Beazley Homes have put together a few specifically-themed collections with recommendations to get you started on finding your home style. 

Nature InspiredIf you envision a lush and earthy-toned home, check out the Nature Inspired Collection. Neutral flooring and cabinet options pair with rubbed bronze fixtures to bring a natural feel to the home. 

Coastal HomeWith the Augusta area being a short drive away from many southern beaches, coastal-inspired homes are extremely popular in the design world. Light and airy cabinets, counters and walls with driftwood-style flooring bring the ocean feel to your home. 

FarmhouseThanks to home improvement shows growing in popularity, the farmhouse-style home is a trend that has taken over DIY inspiration boards and home decor stores all around. Industrial fixtures and gray-toned floors bring this look together for your own farmhouse design. 

Rich and Colorful If you like bold colors and bright accents, these recommendations will be right up your alley. Flooring with sunny highlights, classic hardware and fixtures, and limestone-tinted cabinets will set the stage for all of your colorful decor. 

 On February 2, The United States and Canada will observe Groundhogs Day. It originates from a Pennsylvania Dutch superstition that if a groundhog emerges and sees its shadow, there will be 6 more weeks of winter. If it does not see a shadow, spring weather arrives earlier. While it is a popular tradition, there is no verifiable evidence that the groundhog can accurately predict the changing of seasons. 

The original inspiration for Groundhogs Day starts in Germany, where the Christian holiday Candlemas features a badger to help get an idea of when spring will arrive. 

The earliest mention of Groundhogs Day in the United States was around 1840 in the diary of a Pennsylvania Dutch Country citizen. Clymer Freas, however, is credited as the “father” of the holiday. He was the city editor at Punxsutawney Spirit and it is suggested that this is the area where Groundhogs Day celebrations began. 

Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania is still the location of the largest Groundhogs Day celebration where crowds of up to 40,000 typically gather (in a non-pandemic year, of course). This year, on the 135th anniversary of the event, Punxsutawney Phil will be seen wearing a mask and the ceremony will be held behind closed doors, but you can join the virtual event here. 

Here’s a fun list of groundhog trivia to get you ready for the special day: 

• Groundhogs have 22 teeth.
• They whistle when courting or scared.
• They are vegetarians.
• The average groundhog weighs 12-15 pounds.
• Each groundhog has its own burrow. 
• They have the ability to climb trees and swim.
• Baby groundhogs are called kits or cubs.
• Their lives last an average of 6-8 years.
• They may lose half their body weight while hibernating.

If you haven’t seen the Bill Murray classic movie Groundhog Day, take time at the beginning of February to check it out. It follows the adventure of Pennsylvania weatherman, Phil Connors, who is stuck in a perpetual Groundhog’s Day celebration. We won’t spoil the ending for you, but it is quite endearing. 

The unprecedented times of 2020 have continued into 2021, and we aren’t sure if we’ll ever have our previous idea of “normal” again. While certain businesses and attractions have slowly opened up with guidelines, many are still choosing to stay home for the safety of themselves and others. This poses a small problem on Valentine’s Day for those couples who love to have a nice night out. While restaurants (especially those that are locally owned) would love to have your business for a nice Valentine’s Day dinner, you may decide to play it safe in the comfort of your own home. Stumped on how to celebrate the romantic holiday after already spending so much time at home in the past year? Here are a few fun ways to surprise your significant other this Valentine’s Day:  Breakfast in BedIf your spouse is a morning person, surprise them with a delicious breakfast right at home. Put a tray together with their favorite breakfast items (bonus points for heart-shaped foods!). Add a mimosa and you have the perfect start to their day.  Movie MarathonSure, there’s a chance you’ve streamed just about everything at this point with all of the time spent at home. However, take time to make a list with your partner of movies you haven’t seen yet, especially romantic comedies! Get a huge bowl of popcorn, your favorite snacks and some drinks along with a good throw blanket to cozy up and spend some quality time together.  Puzzle TimeCompleting a puzzle together is a great relationship-building activity. It requires critical thinking, patience, and a good amount of time. Pick one as simple or as challenging as you think you could handle together and get comfortable, this could be an all-nighter!  Fancy DinnerIf you’re not making reservations at a nice restaurant this year, bring the fancy meal home. There are plenty of options for this whether you are a cook or not- meal subscription services provide all of the ingredients and step-by-step recipes, you have the option to order takeout from your favorite place, or you can find a new recipe online to try together and switch it up a bit to make it your own. It would be fun to dress up as if you were going out and have dinner by candlelight.  Don’t let the idea of staying home trick you into another boring day. Make Valentine’s Day special for the one you love and you may be surprised at just how fun an at-home date can be! 

 Water damage is one of the most common (and most costly) claims on homeowners insurance policies. They are second to wind and hail damage, according to the Insurance Information Institute. The best way to avoid water damage is to ensure that it doesn’t happen in the first place, so here are a few preventative tips: 

Disconnect HosesAvoid keeping water hoses connected to the faucet outside, but instead attach them only when in use. Standing water in a hose could freeze into the pipes during the winter and could stop water flow or bust pipes, creating a messy and expensive situation. 

Clean GuttersClean the gutters at least twice per year to avoid blockage and debris. Clogged gutters will force water to spill over the sides and can cause serious damage. 

Maintain VegetationYou want plants to thrive, but not excessively. Roots could wrap around pipes underground and break them, so it is important to minimize landscaping near pipes or remove shrubs that have overgrown. 

Know the Water MainThe water main shutoff is possibly the most important plumbing feature in the home. It supplies water to the entire house and is the mode of transportation between pipes. Know where the water main shutoff is located in case of emergency. Shutting it off will immediately stop all water activity in the home to locate the source of the damage. 

Maintain AppliancesThe most common cause of water damage inside of the home is from appliances. Check them regularly according to manufacturer’s recommendations. This is especially important with washing machines and refrigerators as they can become leaky overtime and frequently leak when in need of replacement. 

Check Water PressureIf the water pressure is set too high in your home, hoses and pipes could fail or rupture. Home improvement stores sell water gauges that can be attached to faucets and read the home’s water pressure. 

Water damage is a costly risk, but taking the necessary measures to prevent issues could save you a great deal of headaches and money. 

 It is important to monitor the quality of windows in the home as the condition can change over time. Take a look at a few things to look out for when taking care of windows: 

Overall ConditionMonitor window frames, sills and sashes since it is possible for them to change or warp through the years. Frame materials could be composed of plastic, aluminum, steel, or even wood. This means they have the potential to break down or become weathered. Closely monitor and inspect windows regularly to be sure that the quality is still intact and they are functioning properly. 

WeatherstrippingWeatherstripping on windows is typically made from foam plastic, metal, or plastic. If you use metal weatherstripping, check it for bends and straightness. Plastic and foam plastic should be inspected for resiliency and cracks. If you notice any of these or feel a draft coming through the window when it is shut, it’s time to replace the weatherstripping. 

Shutters and AwningsCheck window shutters periodically to ensure that there is no damage from weather or rotting from mold and mildew on wood. Check them from both the inside and outside of the home. The attachment of awnings can often become loose, especially in windy conditions. Some awnings are for decoration, while others are truly for weather protection and need to be maintained for proper functionality. 

Egress for Fire SafetyIn the event of a fire, your home should have specific windows for escape when doorways may be blocked. The basement and every room that is slept in should have a window that is operable and can serve as an emergency opening to leave the home. The sill height of an emergency window should be no more than 44 inches off of the floor. This will help even the smallest of residents to escape with ease if needed. 

Regularly check your windows for both maintenance and safety purposes. This is an area of the home that can often be overlooked, but paying attention to the small details is an important and necessary aspect of homeownership. 

 It is possible that burglars could strike at any time. According to FBI statistics, burglaries accounted for about 18% of property crimes in 2017. Around 57% were from forced entry. It is a crime of opportunity, and they want to make a quick getaway with stolen goods. Valuables are usually stored in obvious locations which makes it easy for the culprit to get what they want quickly. To throw them off in the event they ever invade your home, consider these unlikely hiding spots for your valuable possessions:

Hollowed-Out BooksIf you have a decent-sized book collection, valuables can easily be hidden behind them. A set of two or three books with no pages can easily cover small boxes such as jewelry or cash. Burglars don’t typically look through book collections as it is tedious and they want to be in and out without being caught. 

False ContainersThese can be anywhere from your kitchen to under your bathroom sink. Think about fake food cans with an unknowing soup label attached or a shampoo bottle that actually contains valued treasures. You could even store some larger or heavier items in a decoy pet food container. 

Under a Trash CanBurglars most likely won’t go searching through your trash for anything good. Store a few items under the bag liner or in a “false bottom”, such as a hollowed out portion with a piece of plastic over it that covers it up. 

Plastic Wrap and Aluminum Foil Storing important documents or cash in plastic wrap and foil in the back of the freezer are not only good hiding techniques, they can also keep these goods safe in the event of a house fire. 

Inside of a House PlantMuch like hiding something at the bottom of a trash can, faux house plants can double as storage. Goods can easily be hidden under a fake layer of soil. It’s unlikely that a burglar wants to run off with a large fiddle leaf fig. 

False Wall OutletCarve a spot in the wall for a fake outlet cover to lay, sans electrical wiring. This makes a great spot to stow away cash, jewelry, or important documents. 

Mundane Garage BoxesA burglar will probably look past stacks of plastic bins labeled with things such as “Christmas decor” or “kids clothes”. They tend to be heavy as well, making it harder to get out quickly and quietly. This is a great way to store some larger valuables. 

For things that can’t be hidden away, such as tvs and computers, take the time to list them in your homeowner’s insurance policy. This is especially important if you don’t have a home security system that could capture footage of the crime. Also, don’t overshare on social media. If you plan on being away from home for a week or two, keep it quiet until you return. Information posted online can make your home an easy target for a thief. Take the necessary precautions to keep your home, valuables, and loved ones as safe as possible! 

For home buyers and builders alike, 2020 shifted priorities drastically in what to look for in a new home. With so much time being spent at home, it has become more important than ever for a homeowner to be satisfied with their space. Whether you are working with a homebuilder on a semi-custom home or remodeling your existing space, here are a few trends to consider this year: Dedicated Home OfficeThe pandemic caused a great number of employees to begin working from home, and some have moved into a permanent work-from-home position after seeing that it was possible. The home office has been one of the most prevalent design trends and employees are coming up with creative solutions to have a place to get work done other than the kitchen table. Delineated SpacesOpen floor plans are still near the top of the list in terms of popularity, but homeowners are now looking for a little more personal space after spending so much time in the house with the same people. A cozy shared living area is great, but it’s also good to carve out a space for time to yourself. One way to accomplish this is to install a sliding partition or door in one of the main areas of the home or carving out a cozy nook for reading and studying. HouseplantsBringing nature inside of the home has helped brighten moods everywhere for those who haven’t always been able to get outside. Whether you have a green thumb or opt for faux plants, the greenery and botanicals will instantly freshen up your space. Wood-grain Kitchen AccentsOrganic design materials are resurfacing, especially in the kitchen. Natural wood countertops or cabinets bring a minimalist style and help homeowners connect with nature. A wood-grain countertop is a great contrast to bold colored cabinets. Outdoor Kitchen SpacesSpring and summer are ideal for outdoor dining. Outdoor fireplaces, grills, refrigerators and furniture make the perfect setting for a quiet meal at home with friends or family. An outdoor kitchen can be elaborate or modest depending on budgets, but is guaranteed to bring fun and variety to the home either way. Since we have all spent a great deal of time at home within the last year, there are plenty of areas in the home that can be improved to better fit your lifestyle. Research the best options to fit your budget and desires to make your home better! 

 Structural options are a highlight of building a semi-custom home with Bill Beazley Homes. In Haynes Station, not only are there multiple floor plans to choose from, there are also structural decisions that can be made online after your contract is signed. Much like interior selections such as flooring and countertops, choosing structural options is a fun part of the home building process. For some streamlining, we will go over a few structural option examples from the Kelly 6 floor plan: 

Front Door StyleA painted fiberglass front door with a soft arch is a classic choice for many homes. There are also flat-top options with multiple panels. The fun part is choosing a paint color for it that will make your home stand out among the others! They are also EnergyStar certified. Another door choice is a paint-grade front door with glass insert, allowing more natural light to come into your home. These can also be painted with custom colors or left as is. 

Door HardwareThis consists of the color choices for doorknobs, hinges, deadbolts and door stops. Venetian bronze and satin nickel are two classic finishes that can complement any home style. 

FireplaceMantles are typically painted white to match the rest of the interior trim in the home, but there are a few different patterns available to choose from. The fireplace surround can be customized as well, either with stone that matches the exterior stone on the home or tile and grout that can be selected. 

ElectricalBelieve it or not, outlets are on the list of choices to make when designing your home. If there is a specific room in the home that needs an additional outlet, it can be requested with the builder. There are also floodlights that can be installed outside and under-cabinet lights to bring a warm glow and modern upgrade to the kitchen. 

Back PorchIf you plan on spending a ton of time in the backyard relaxing on the porch, a covered patio addition may be right for you. A covered porch with concrete flooring will be built and a fan can be selected for cooler air during the warm summer nights. 

It may seem overwhelming to make design selections for a home that is still under construction, but it is well worth it to see everything come together before your closing day. Be sure to research the best products and color choices for your home based on your personal style.