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Christmas Light Safety
July 30, 2021
One of the best parts of the holiday season is spending time to decorate. Maybe you are stringing icicle lights along the top of your home or displaying a Christmas figurine in your yard. No matter what your plans are with lights, be sure that you are using and installing them safely. Here are a few tips on using Christmas lights properly:
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- Whether you are stringing lights inside or outside (or both), be sure to check thoroughly for cracked or frayed cords. Make sure there are no loose connections as well.
- If you are using a live Christmas tree, keep it well-watered. Warm lights on a dry tree could be disastrous.
- If you have old strands of lights, it may be time to upgrade to a safer option. Newer versions of lights have fused plugs, which will prevent sparks if a short circuit occurs.
- Use a ground fault circuit interrupter outlet, or GFCI, to plug in outdoor lights. This will reduce the risk of shorts and shocks from water or debris entering the outlets.
- Extension cords are known to overheat, so keep a close eye on them. If the cord becomes too hot, unplug it.
- Avoid tacks, nails or screws when hanging lights. These could pierce the cable, risking electrical shock. Insulated hooks are the safe alternative.
- Securely tape ground-level extension cords to reduce the risk of tripping and falling.
- When using lights outdoors, check to be sure that they are labeled for outdoor use. Indoor lights are usually made with thinner insulation which could cause them to crack when exposed to outside elements.
- Turn all lights off when you leave the house or go to sleep for the night.
Keeping Your Home Safe During Holiday Vacation
July 30, 2021
Are you visiting friends or family out of town during the holidays? If so, you know how important the safety of your home is while you’re away. It’s also good to have peace of mind knowing that you took the necessary precautions before hitting the road. Keep in mind a few of these best practices to keep your home safe and secure during your vacation. Never Display Your Residence OnlineThis typically goes without saying, but avoid “checking in” to your neighborhood or posting your address anywhere on social media. Try to make sure your house number doesn’t show up in pictures and don’t let the internet know your travel plans. Even if your profiles are set to private, anyone could access the information if they are determined enough. Inform Trusted NeighborsHopefully, your neighbors have become your friends and there are a few that you can trust to watch out for your home while you’re away. Leave a spare key with them in case they need to access the house for any reason and keep open lines of communication while you are gone. Install a Video DoorbellIf you don’t have one already, a doorbell with built-in video camera is well worth the investment for your peace of mind. These doorbells are wi-fi enabled and you can access the footage from your smartphone or other device. Be sure to check the quality of the camera before you buy one, as you’ll want one that produces clear images if any suspicious activity arises. Pause Mail DeliveryIf you plan on being away for an extended amount of time (one week or more), contact your mail carrier to have them place a temporary stop on your mail delivery. This way, your mailbox won’t overflow and give potential burglars the sign that you haven’t been home. Another option is to have your trusted friend/family member check your mail and hold onto it until you return. These are just a few simple tips, but be sure to take every measure possible to secure your home and belongings before your vacation. Then, enjoy the holidays!
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8 Gifts Every New Homeowner Needs
July 30, 2021
Celebrating the first holiday season in a new home is an exciting time for new homeowners. For gift-giving, Christmas is the perfect opportunity to give something to the new buyer that they will actually need and truly enjoy. Think of it as a second housewarming! If you’re stumped on gift ideas, here is a list of 8 that your new homeowner will love. A Cozy Throw BlanketA good blanket is a welcome gift anytime, but would be especially appreciated by the new homeowner. If you have an idea of the color scheme in their living room or bedroom, you have the perfect opportunity to find one that coordinates. Flower-filled VaseLook for a vase that will coordinate with the aesthetic of their living room or kitchen, and add some fresh flowers so it is ready to display. Think about finding something other than the traditional glass vase that they will truly enjoy and use over and over! Fresh SheetsHelp the new homeowner fill up their linen closet! A set of new sheets is always appreciated and necessary. If it’s cold, look for a soft flannel set. Get something high in quality that will last for years. If they have children, add a set for their room as well. Bath TowelsAnother great item to fill up the linen closet with. You can either find a luxury set of bath towels and washcloths, or a decorative pair for display on the towel rack. To make this gift even more personal, you can have the towels monogrammed for the owner. Personalized Welcome MatThere are many online stores that offer personalization on almost any item. A welcome mat will give the owner a reason to think of you every time they come and go! Have it personalized with their name or a silly quote that reminds you of them. Wine GlassesA classic set of wine glasses will be used over and over again. Look for some that are monogrammed or different types of glasses to hold their favorite wines.
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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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