HAPPY NEW YEAR - 2019!

With the New Year almost upon us I want to take this opportunity to wish you the very best for the coming year. I'm looking forward to sleeping in late and kicking back in the easy chair after lunch to enjoy a football game. Of course I'll be sleeping in late because, just like you, I'll start off the New Year at exactly midnight on New Year's Eve by singing Auld Lang Syne. We'll all be singing it and most of us won't have a clue what the title actually means!

So, just for fun, I looked up the song online to find out its history. I learned that Auld Lang Syne is a traditional Scottish song. The version we know today was written (in part at least) by Robert Burns in the 1700s. The title refers to “old long ago,” or the good old days, as we would say today. I don't want you to stumble around when it comes time to sing it, so I'm passing along to you the lyrics. Have a great New Year's Day and don't forget to break a resolution or two!

Sincerely,

  

Valerie McConville

Auld Lang Syne

Should auld acquaintance be forgot and never brought to mind?

Should auld acquaintance be forgot and days of auld lang syne?

For auld lang syne, my dear, for auld lang syne,

We'll take a cup of kindness yet,

For auld lang syne.

Should auld acquaintance be forgot and never brought to mind?

Should auld acquaintance be forgot and days of auld lang syne?

And here's a hand, my trusty friend , and gie's a hand o' thine,

We'll tak' a cup o' kindness yet,

For auld lang syne.

WINTER HOME ENERGY SAVINGS TIP #10

BUYING A HOME VS RENTING A HOME

HAPPY HOLIDAYS AND MERRY CHRISTMAS

WHY HOME OWNERSHIP IS A GREAT INVESTMENT

WINTER HOME ENERGY SAVINGS TIP #9

HOLIDAY GUIDE: CUSTOM GIFTS FOR KIDS, PARENTS AND COWORKERS

Christmas shopping for friends and family can be entertaining and rewarding, just don’t wait until the last minute. These days, there’s a million ways to plan ahead, buy awesome gifts in advance and—just maybe—you won’t feel like the holidays set you back six months financially.

Savvy shoppers can download free apps from selected retailers, explore websites for announcements on sales, pick up a bouquet of gift cards while in line for groceries and shop online for custom gifts. Hint: look for free shipping!

Personalized gifts tend to mean more, and they give families a chance to use all those birthday photos, memorable candids or classic snapshots. Custom photo gifts trigger fond memories and remind you of a special person. Consider these custom gift ideas for the following types of people you may shop for this holiday season:

For kids: If you’re toting an adorable baby or small toddler on your hips, buying presents for them is almost like shopping for yourself. Get a baby bib with an off-the-charts favorite picture of your little tike, one more thing to make you smile while you’re trying to make them eat peas. For older boys and girls, parents can customize Kindle cases with group shots of friends, or decorate volleyballs, basketballs and soccer balls with team photos. Daughters and nieces will love plush Pashmina scarves with their initials, or maybe a tote bag adorned with dance team pictures.

For parents: Parents might not expect much, but it’s great to show appreciation in the form of thoughtful presents. If your parents have a weakness for wine, treat them to a set of engraved wine glasses [www.snappyphotogifts.com/recipient/for-parents/personalized-white-wine-glasses-set-of-4/]. Their dinner parties just got a little classier. Is your father a whiskey or bourbon connoisseur? He could use a stainless steel flask with a quote from a favorite author. Or, design an iPad case with your choice of black leather, faux suede, neoprene, and a company logo or a family picture. You can also think jewelry, such as pinstriped cufflinks or unique pendants.

For coworkers: The workplace wouldn’t be the same without trusted coworkers-turned-friends. Get them something for their desk, like a mahogany pen holder with a picture from their wedding or a new mouse pad with an image of their newborn baby girl. Avid coffee drinkers might enjoy a new mug with an image of a beloved pet, motto or personal artwork. If you guys work out together after work, consider an aluminum water bottle with a sports team logo, picture or engraving—perfect for the gym, hikes, camping and who-knows-what-else.

Need more custom gift ideas? If you’re thinking about using all those great photos hibernating on your laptop, explore Snappy Photo Gifts at www.snappyphotogifts.com. Their new website, designed for convenience and great customer service, is ripe with fun Christmas gift ideas. Don’t forget about stocking stuffers, like sports team koozies, engraved pocket knives, custom bookmarks and key chains, coat hooks with a picture frame and personalized cocktail shakers.

SAFEGUARDING YOUR HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS

With the holidays fast approaching, you may be making plans to visit out-of-town family and friends, which means leaving your home vacant—and open to the possibility of getting robbed. This—along with the still struggling economy—can make your home a target-rich environment for burglars.

According to the FBI, nearly 400,000 burglaries occur in the U.S. during November and December each year, and the reasons are obvious: Those are the months that many of us are away on vacation or out buying gifts.

“Burglars are opportunists looking for a score, and the holidays are a perfect time for it,” says Robert Siciliano, a security expert whose work with major businesses has earned him the title “the Lifesaver.”

So how do you prevent yourself from being one of the 400,000? Read on to find out.

• Burglars Use Facebook, Too. We’ve all laughed at the stupidity of people posting their foibles on Facebook and Twitter, which raises the question: Why are you checking in on Foursquare or using social media at all?

• Let the Lights Shine. Using high-wattage exterior lighting, set on timers along with indoor lamps, serves a twofold purpose: they help neighbors spot suspicious activity at night, while giving your home what Siciliano calls “that lived-in look.”

• Not All Locks Are Created Equal. Burglars have been known to case homes during the day, dressed as contractors to fit in, and jiggle doorknobs in search of cheap locks. This is why it’s essential to protect your home’s main point of entry, advises Siciliano, with a strong one like the new Touchscreen Deadbolt from Schlage (www.schlage.com), America’s most trusted brand for security that’s been creating technologically advanced security products for more than 90 years. “I like it because it offers the highest-grade residential security available, has a built-in alarm and an anti-pick shield, and is easy enough to install yourself.”

• Disconnect the Garage Door Opener. Understand this: A powerless GDO can’t be hacked with a universal remote.

• Finally, a word about presents. While you may be overjoyed to get that plasma TV you’ve been eyeing for months, immediately putting out the box it came in on the curb (along with all your other trash) does nothing more than shine a spotlight on what you got for Christmas for post-holiday burglars on the prowl.

“The best thing to do,” says Siciliano, “is cut the box up and put it in a big, black trash bag. That way, they don’t know you have a plasma TV.”

SWEETEN YOUR HOLIDAY MENU!

Nothing is more festive than indulging in your favorite seasonal desserts. Add these treats to your holiday celebration to satisfy your sweet tooth.


Oreo Peppermint Bark

*   10 mini candy canes, crushed (about 1/2 cup)
*   12 Oreos, chopped (about 1 cup)
*   1 cup milk chocolate chips (or semi-sweet)
*   1 1/2 cups white chocolate chips

1. Line a cookie sheet with wax paper.
2. Melt milk chocolate chips in a microwave safe bowl in 30 second increments, stirring after each, until melted and smooth. Pour onto cookie sheet and spread flat. Sprinkle with chopped Oreos. Chill for 10 minutes.
3. Melt white chocolate chips in a microwave safe bowl on 50% power in 30 second increments, stirring after each, until melted and smooth. Pour over Oreos and spread. Sprinkle with chopped candy canes. Chill until set. Break into pieces and serve!

Eggnog Fudge

*    2 cups sugar
*    1/2 cup butter
*    3/4 cup eggnog
*    10.5 oz white chocolate bars, chopped into small pieces
*    1/2 tsp freshly grated nutmeg
*    7 oz marshmallow crème
*    1 tsp rum extract

1. Line an 8 or 9-inch square pan with foil and spread butter over.
2. In a 3-qt saucepan combine sugar, butter and eggnog. Bring to a rolling boil, stirring frequently. Boil 8-10 minutes over medium heat or until a candy thermometer reaches 234° F, stirring constantly to prevent scorching. Remove from heat.
3. Using a wooden spoon, quickly stir in white chocolate and nutmeg until chocolate is melted and smooth. Stir in marshmallow crème and rum extract. Beat until well blended. Pour into prepared pan. Sprinkle with freshly ground nutmeg. Let stand at room temperature or refrigerate until   cooled. Cut and serve!

Gingerbread-Turtle Thumbprint Cookies

*    1 roll (30z) Pillsbury refrigerated Gingerbread Cookies
*    2/3 cup all-purpose flour
*    2 egg whites, beaten
*     2 cups finely chopped walnuts (or pecans)
*    1 cup dulce de leche or caramel dessert topping
*    1 cup semisweet chocolate chips

1. Preheat oven to 350° F.
2. In a large bowl, break up cookie dough. Stir
   or knead in flour until blended. Shape dough into balls. Place egg whites in one shallow bowl. Place chopped nuts in another bowl. Dip each ball into egg whites. Roll in chopped nuts. Place cookie balls 2 inches apart on ungreased cookie sheet. Press thumb in center of each cookie to make indentation.
3. Bake 10 to 14 minutes until cookies are set around edges. Remove cookies and cool. Place 1 teaspoon dulce de leche or caramel in the indentation of each cookie.
4. In a small microwavable bowl, microwave chocolate chips uncovered on High 30 seconds; stir. Continue to microwave in 15 second increments until chocolate is melted and smooth. Drizzle chocolate mixture over cookies. Enjoy!

WINTER HOME ENERGY SAVINGS TIP #8

WINTER HOME ENERGY SAVINGS TIP #7

STAY SAFE THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

People love the holiday season. To keep your holiday decorations enjoyable and safe, keep in mind these safety tips.

Candles: Keep anything flammable away from a lit candle. Place the candles out of the reach of children or pets. Blow out the candles when you need to leave the room or go to bed.

Christmas tree: Water the tree to keep it hydrated. Place the tree away from any heat sources. Make sure the tree is not blocking entryways or foot traffic. Hang fragile Christmas ornaments on higher tree branches away from the reach of children and pets. Turn off lights before going to bed.

Electric lights: Lights will be labeled for either indoor or outdoor use. Throw out lights with worn or torn wires. Replace missing or cracked bulbs. Read labels to make sure you are following acceptable wattage levels and are not overloading the circuits.

Outdoor decorations: Fully secure outdoor holiday decorations so they don’t get blown away or stolen. Put lights and fans on a timer so you don’t forget to turn them off. Use waterproof electrical connectors.

Ladders: Ensure your safety by making sure ladders are on level and sturdy ground. They must also be able to support not only your weight, but the weight of the decorations.

Holiday plants: Be sure to keep plants such as mistletoe or poinsettia away and out of the reach of your pets.

Cleaning up: After the holidays, check with your city or waste management company to see if they have a tree recycling program. Carefully take down outdoor decorations and inspect them for damage.

Have a great holiday! Bookmark my blog page for more great tips and advice!

WINTER HOME ENERGY SAVINGS TIP #6

Humidifiers are an efficient way to reduce your heating costs because humid air has a tendency to feel warmer. This will allow you to lower your thermostat in the winter, while still providing a more comfortable environment.

10 TIPS FOR HANGING HOLIDAY LIGHTS

Bring the holiday warmth to your home this season with a safe and festive light display.

1. Consider hanging your lights early in the season to avoid cold, wet weather that may pose a safety hazard.

2. Measure and map out a general plan to determine how many strings of lights your home requires.

3. Choose a size and wattage that fits your needs. Mini-lights are less expensive and use less energy. Larger C7 or C9 lights are more durable and remain lit even if one bulb dies.

4. Select shorter strings of light to avoid losing a large portion of your display if one string malfunctions.

5. Test for any dead bulbs to ensure your lights work properly.

6. Plug your extension cords into a ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI). Be sure the total wattage of your lights doesn’t exceed the capacity of your outlet.

7. Install hooks and clips along surfaces on which you’ll thread your lights.

8. Mix up your light display to highlight multiple architectural features on your home. Complement your focal points by hanging additional lights along paths, doors, windows and around trees, planters and bushes.

9. Space your lights a few inches apart so they don’t blend into each other. This also saves you money as you’ll use a smaller number of lights.

10. Hook your lights up to an automatic timer so they turn on when the sun dips and switch off at dawn.

WINTER HOME ENERGY SAVINGS TIP #5

A dirty stove has to work harder and burns more fuel as a result. By maintaining your gas stove on a regular basis and reducing the amount of flame you use, you help to keep it running efficiently and with less fuel consumption. This in return will help you lower your energy bill.

MY THANKSGIVING WISH TO AMERICA

To my American Friends,

With Thanksgiving nearly here, Iʼm reminded of the tradition many families share in which each member around the table expresses something theyʼre deeply thankful for in their lives. (Truth be told, itʼs probably one we should practice every day.) 

While I wonʼt be celebrating as I am Canadian and we already had our Thanksgiving holiday, I would like to share with you my gratitude for your support. The scholar W.T. Purkiser once said, “Itʼs not what we say about our blessings, but how we use them, that is the true measure of our thanksgiving.” 

It is all about our service to others. I am grateful for many of you who continue to read my blog, and hope I am able to serve you and your family for years to come. May your Thanksgiving Holiday be a special one. 

With gratitude,

Valerie McConville

WINTER HOME ENERGY SAVINGS TIP #4

WINTER HOME ENERGY SAVINGS TIP #3

Let your dishes air dry. If your dishwasher doesn’t have an automatic air-dry switch, turn it off after the final rinse and prop the door open slightly so the dishes will dry faster.

STAGING YOUR KITCHEN

The kitchen is often a home’s main focal point and the room that entices potential buyers. Although many sellers choose to complete a basic remodel before listing, a little paint, cleaning and properly placed dining items can make it look like new.

Here are eight things you can do to make your kitchen inviting to potential buyers without paying for a costly renovation.

1. Do a thorough cleaning. Wipe down and thoroughly clean the baseboards, ceilings fans, appliances, sink, back splash, and floors until they’re spotless. Get into every nook and cranny to remove all the grime that may linger after years of cooking and entertaining.

2. Remove personal items. Take down photos and family effects from the counter and refrigerator to help buyers imagine themselves using the kitchen.

3. Paint the walls. A fresh coat of paint in a muted or neutral color can revitalize the entire look and feel of a room for much less than the cost of a remodel.

4. Brighten up. Use brighter light bulbs and remove heavy curtains so natural light can stream through and create a feeling of spaciousness.

5. Maximize the space you have. With the right combination of furniture and accessories, you can highlight the kitchen’s features while minimizing its limitations.

6. Polish chrome fixtures, hardware and stove knobs. If these items are dated or worn, consider replacing them. Otherwise, a rag and polish will make these features shine like new.

7. Keep surfaces clean and clutter free. Store cleaning products and small appliances in the cabinets. Don’t leave your dishes in the sink, drying rack or dishwasher. When you put them away, make sure that plates are stacked by size and mugs are aligned.

8. Help the kitchen appear warm and inviting. Place a few cookbooks, arranged in size order, on the counter or bookshelves. To add a splash of color, place fruit in a large bowl or houseplants in colorful pots on the counter.

WINTER HOME ENERGY SAVINGS TIP #1

  

Match the size of pots to the correct sized element or burner when cooking. Using a 6-inch pot on an 8-inch burner wastes more than 40% of the heat. Pots and pans should have clean flat bottoms, straight sides, and tight fitting lids. Cook with the lid on whenever possible to keep heat in and cook foods faster.

HOW TO PROTECT YOUR CELL PHONE FROM WINTER'S WRATH

Winter’s chill is in the air, but you’ve most likely already thought about winterizing your home and car much earlier. But have you considered your phone?

 

Smartphones—those little gems of technology that keep us connected to the rest of the world—are clearly an integral part of our daily lives and can be expensive to replace. To that end, protecting it from extreme weather and damage from winter activities should be of paramount importance.

The following advice should give you some ideas about what you can do to keep your device in prime condition during the long winter months:

•    Be aware of drastic temperature changes. Taking your phone from a very cold area to a warm one can cause condensation to form, making the device appear foggy.

•    Anticipate sloppy conditions. Mother Nature is fickle, which means that winter can mean snow, slush, rain and ice. According to TNS Global, a market research firm, nearly 100 million smartphones in the U.S. have been destroyed by liquids. It would follow, then, that for people who can’t predict every weather change, a waterproof smartphone like the Hydro ELITE by Kyocera (www.kyocerasmartphones.com) would be beneficial. The Hydro ELITE is a 4G LTE Android smartphone and offers protection from blowing rain and immersion in up to one meter (3.28 ft.) of water for as long as 30 minutes.

•    Download free weather apps and give them a glance each day before leaving the house. In addition to knowing what to wear to work or on a walk, you’ll know what kind of precautions you need to take for your phone while listening to music, taking a call or stepping up on that curb heading into the office.

•    Seal up your phone. Special water-resistant cases will help your phone be ready for unexpected weather changes. However, with some phones, a waterproof case isn’t required. The Kyocera Hydro ELITE, for example, is not only designed to keep water out, but also optimized to get sound in with its Smart Sonic Receiver technology. This ceramic actuator replaces the phone’s mic and speakers and transmits sounds as vibrations, making the phone audible even in the noisiest of conditions and through ear muffs or helmets. Currently, the phone is free from Verizon Wireless with a two-year contract. For those who would rather ski than sit by the fire, the Kyocera Hydro XTRM has similar options and is “drop and shock proof” and therefore designed to take a beating.

•    Do keep a full battery. It may seem redundant to underscore keeping a phone fully charged, but exposure to cold weather can drain a device quickly. In that case, you may want to consider carrying a portable battery charger to ensure that your phone is ready when you are.

PEST PROOF NOW TO PROTECT HOMES FOR WINTER

As the cold winter months quickly approach, people won’t be the only ones huddling inside for warmth. 

The National Pest Management Association (NPMA) encourages homeowners to take steps to prevent pests like cockroaches, rodents and nuisance wildlife from making your home their winter getaway.

Winter invaders such as cockroaches, mice and rats present considerable health threats to family members. 

Cockroaches carry bacteria and other kinds of human pathogens, contaminating food surfaces and potentially triggering asthma attacks in children, and with 24 percent of homeowners reporting mice infestations specifically in the winter, they are among the top pest issues of the season. 

Most rodents only need a space the size of a quarter to enter a home, and once inside, they can cause considerable damage and pose serious health risks to people and structural damage to homes, as they are known for chewing through electrical wires and wallboard.
 

Nuisance wildlife such as raccoons and squirrels can also be an issue in the colder months and may present a unique set of dangers due to their size and aggressive nature if they are frightened or feel threatened when trapped in an unfamiliar environment. Lastly, homeowners should check wood piles for ants and spiders that can often be hiding within.
 

Prevention is the best way to avoid an infestation during the winter months. NPMA offers these 10 important measures for homeowners as the temperatures begin to drop:

* Seal cracks and holes, including areas where utilities and pipes enter the home.

* Screen vents and openings to chimneys.

* Keep attics, basements and crawl spaces well ventilated and dry.

* Replace loose mortar and weather-stripping around the basement foundation and windows.

* Keep tree branches, shrubbery and ground covering well trimmed and away from the house.

* Store firewood at least 20 feet away from the house and five inches off the ground.

* Store boxes off of the floor to prevent rodents from residing in undisturbed areas.

* Repair fascia, soffits and rotted roof shingles, as some insects are drawn to deteriorating wood.

* Store garbage in containers with lids.

To find a pest professional or learn more about how to protect your family from the diseases and dangers of pests, visit www.pestworld.org.

DON'T FORGET TO TURN BACK THE CLOCK!

5 HARMFUL HOMEOWNER HABITS TO BREAK

Being a homeowner is one of the biggest milestones in your life. You feel excited and proud to take care of your new house and truly turn it into a home for you and your family. 

To keep your house in the best shape possible, here are five bad homeowner habits to avoid.

1. Damaging doors. Slamming your doors can have a huge impact in the long run as it can slowly pull your doors out of alignment and potentially create gaps and cracks near your exterior doors, letting air seep in and boosting your utility bill.
 

2. Harmful humidity. Showers lasting over 10 to 12 minutes at high water temperatures can increase chances of mildew and mold growing in your bathroom. Over time, this can also cause the paint on your ceiling to bubble and peel from condensation.
 

3. Abusing appliances. Clean the lint tray in your dryer after every use, run the oven cleaning cycle at least once a month, and try to wipe down your stovetop and microwave down regularly to avoid grease and residue build up.
 

4. Soiling surfaces. After eating a meal, applying makeup, or working and playing outdoors, try to wash your hands before touching walls, cabinets, and doors. Plus, make it a house rule to remove shoes at the door to avoid tracking dirt onto carpets and rugs.
 

5. Punishing pipes. Although not the best of topics, a clog in your pipes or main drain can be a huge pain and costly to fix. Regularly clean hair out of your sink and shower drains and avoid flushing cleansing wipes, paper towels, or feminine products down the toilet.

TOP TIPS FOR STAGING YOUR HOME

A recent survey from the National Association of Realtors® revealed that 77 percent of buyers’ agents said staging a home makes it easier for potential buyers to visual it as their own. That’s why staging is not to be overlooked! 

Here are some top tips.
 

1. Dress up your yard. First impressions count, and the first one your home gives comes from the exterior. Mow the lawn, clean up shrubbery, rake any leaves, clean the walkway and driveway, plant in-season flowers, and pull up any unsightly weeds.
    
2. Reduce personal items. Make it easier for buyers to imagine themselves making your house their home by removing personal photos and knick-knacks from shelves, walls, and counters. Instead replace them with clean, simple décor, such as abstract paintings, nature images, vases, plants, and more.
    
3. Organize your storage areas. Storage is a huge selling point. Tidy up and clear out the accessible closets and cupboards in the home and make sure to point them out during an open house or showing.
    
4. Appeal to the senses. Consider ways you can appeal to potential homebuyers’ other senses. During a viewing or open house, bake some fresh cookies or burn delicious smelling candles and play light, relaxing music in the background.
    
5. Consider turning to an expert. With their knowledge of current trends and great eye for design, professionally certified stagers can transform a home in a variety of ways and have a keen sense of what homebuyers want and expect in a home. Investing in hiring a pro may pay off in dividends.

THE PRICE IS RIGHT: WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT PRICING YOUR HOME

One of the most daunting parts of selling your home is deciding what to price it at. You don’t want to price too high and get little to no traction but you don’t want to price too low and undervalue your home. There are so many things to take into consideration, so we’ve outlined the top XXX things you should do before you list.

Enlist the help of a local expert. Local agents have years of experience in the market you are selling in, plus have a lot of industry expertise to bring to the table. They will factor in the unique offerings of your home and neighborhood and your wants and needs for the sale of the home to help you properly price.

Research homes for sale in your neighborhood. It’s always a good idea to do a little recon on homes for sale in your area. View current and past listings online to find homes that have similar features and were built around the same year as yours to get an idea of prices. Open house in your neighborhood? Take time to pop by in person and get a feel for what their home has to offer at what price.

Remove the emotion. Whether it's your first or fourth home, it is the setting of so many amazing memories and holds a special place in your heart. Unfortunately, emotional attachment to your home can cloud your judgment when pricing it. Try to place your personal feelings about your home on the back burner and focus on tangible features of your home that add great value.

5 WAYS TO CREATE EXTRA SPACE IN YOUR HOME

Is your home feeling a little cramped? If so, there are many relatively inexpensive ways to free up more space. Here are some ideas:
 

Convert traditional into nontraditional space. We’re all familiar with converting a spare bedroom into a homeoffice or kids’ playroom. You can also create space by finding other uses for pantries and walk-in closets.
 

Explore smart storage solutions.
There are many products on the market that revolutionize how you store things. For example, there are closet organizers available that double storage capacity. Check out the options at your local home improvement store.
 

Get rid of unneeded furnishings. 

Is there a chair no one ever uses? Is there a side table that takes up a lot of space, with nothing but a few knick-knacks on it? Consider selling these items to free up some space.
 

Think high. 

Install storage shelves, hangers or baskets high up in the kitchen and laundry room. Use that storage for items you only access infrequently.
 

Consider storage rental. 

If you have furnishings and other items that you don’t want to get rid of, consider renting a storage unit. There may be economical options in your area. With a little creative thinking, you’ll be amazed by how much space you cancreate within your existing rooms.

PREPARE YOUR PIPES FOR A WINTER COLD SNAP

Winter has a certain amount of charm that comes with it — from sledding and outdoor ice skating to snowmen and brightly lit trees. But when icy weather hits, and your pipes are ill-prepared, it can mean a long (and costly) spring.
 

Here’s what happens: When temperatures drop, trapped water in pipes can freeze. Since water expands when it freezes, it can cause the pipes to rupture. When the pipes thaw, that’s when homeowners might come home to a flooded basement.
 

Instead of waiting before it’s too late, now is the time to insulate your pipes before the cold weather returns. Do it in the comfort of warm weather at your leisure so you’re not rushed when the cold weather arrives.
 

Insulate pipes
This action step performs double duty, keeping hot water pipes warm and protecting cold water pipes from freezing, which can lead to immediate energy returns. Homeowners with existing insulation should check it before the cold weather comes to town. If either the insulation or its tape looks cracked or crumbles to the touch, it should be replaced. If the pipes have either wire or tape heaters, homeowners should contact the pipe heater’s manufacturer before attempting to insulate pipes.
 

Old Man Winter
As a homeowner, you most likely will not be needing your hose or sprinklers this winter season. To that end, drain and store your lawn and gardening supplies before the first freeze. Even well-insulated homes reach freezing temperatures if left unheated.
 

Anti-leak technologies
Like any other industry, new technology is being developed to prevent water damage. One product, the FloLogic System, acts like a circuit breaker for the home plumbing system. The FloLogic system monitors a home’s entire water flow from a single position on the water main. When the flow through the system’s sensor exceeds a preset limit, the system shuts off the water and sounds an alarm at the keypad. If connected to a security system, FloLogic will notify the monitoring service. Shutting off the water prevents flooding, saving you from potentially costly repairs. Many insurers will also offer discounts to homeowners who use the FloLogic System.
 

If, however, a pipe is already frozen, homeowners should turn off the water, slowly thaw the pipe, then call a plumber to make necessary repairs.
 

For more information about the FloLogic System, and protecting your home from water damage, visit www.flologic.com.

MAKING YOUR SMALL BATHROOM LOOK BIGGER

Is your tiny bathroom feeling tight? Maximize your space with these simple tricks:

• Clarify. Instead of a heavy, opaque shower curtain, choose a clear shower curtain or glass shower door. This will show off the full depth of the room.
• Brighten. Choose solid, light colors for towels, rugs and other linens to brighten up the space.
• Clean. Remove or hide away clutter, clearing off the sink and tucking away toiletries into a cabinet or basket.
• Glow. Let the light in by switching out dull fixtures and placing mirrors to strategically reflect the light.

MAKING YOUR HOME PET-FRIENDLY

A home isn’t just a home for humans. It’s a home for your pets as well. Consider these tips to make your home more comfortable for your furry little friends.

• Storage space: Store all your pet’s possessions, such as toys, food and leashes, in one place for easy access. Having this space will also help you keep the rest of the home free from pet clutter.

• Dog doors: Install a dog door at the bottom of your back door to give your dog the freedom to roam around and go to the bathroom. If you are uncertain about how to install a dog door, contact a contractor.

• Flooring: To clean up after your pet, consider buying a vacuum with attachments to pick up fur and a carpet cleaner to deep clean pet messes.

• Feeding station: Add a feeding station to sequester kibble and pet water. The feeding station will also help keep your pet’s food clean and dry.

• Disguising the litter box: Hide your cat’s litter box by transforming a small side table or cabinet into a space for their litter box. Your cat, and your guests, will be thankful.

• Safety gates: A safety gate will keep your pets safe and away from anything dangerous. It will also give you peace of mind regarding your pet’s safety by setting boundaries for where they may or may not go when you are away.

• Match your pet’s fur: Any pet owner knows their pet’s fur will get everywhere. Consider the color of your pet’s fur when purchasing furnishings. High-contrast colors will accentuate fur before you have time to vacuum it away.

THIS EASY TIRE TREAD TEST ONLY COSTS A PENNY

Tires may not be the first thing you notice when you look at a car, but they may be the most important safety and performance element of any vehicle. 

When you think about it, they are the only part of your car that connects you to the road.

While brakes stop your wheels, it’s your tires that stop the car — and that’s why maintaining them is absolutely critical. 

Luckily, one of the most important tire checks won’t cost you more than a penny!

Once a month, or before heading on a long road trip, check your tires for wear and damage using “the penny test.” Just grab a penny and select a point on your tire where tread appears the lowest. Then, holding Lincoln’s body between your thumb and your forefinger, place Lincoln’s head into one of the grooves. If any part of Abe Lincoln’s head is covered by the tread, you’re driving with the legal and safe amount of tread.

However, if all of Lincoln’s head is visible, it’s a sign that it is time to get new tires. “Traction and tread are inextricably linked. The grooves in your tire are critical in helping to channel water away to allow the tire to grip the road,” says Sarah Robinson, Michelin safety expert. “Making sure you’re driving on tires with proper tread can be the difference between avoiding an accident, and becoming part of it.”

If it’s time to get new tires, consider these two factors first and foremost:

1. Safety: Most tires perform well in everyday situations, but difficult conditions will reveal their differences. Choose tires that can perform well in the worst types of weather or roads you encounter. For example, if you live in a region with regular heavy snowfall and cold winters, consider winter tires for part of the year. The difference can be huge.

2. Value: It’s important to remember that not all tires are created equal. Tires may seem like an additional expense on top of general car maintenance, but investing in quality tires known for long-lasting performance–such as the Michelin Defender with its 80,000 mile warranty–will save you money over time as your tires won’t need to be replaced as quickly.

For more information, visit www.MichelinMan.com

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REV UP YOUR RETIREMENT: GET THE BEST PRICE FOR YOUR HOME

Even if your retirement seems far away, it’s never too early to think about retirement funds. For many people, retirement means selling their current home.

Data from a recent survey show that more than half of the baby boomer generation plan to sell their current homes as part of their retirement. 

If selling your home is on your retirement agenda, a little thought now about how to get the best price can make a big difference when it’s time to put it on the market.

Here are some small steps that can pay off in a big way:

•    Control the clutter. Start now by going through some of that old memorabilia, and choose what’s really important to keep and move. When you’re ready to show your house to prospective buyers, think “less clutter.”

“Buyers shouldn’t be distracted from imagining themselves living in your space,” says Patsy O’Neill, a sales associate with Sotheby’s in Montclair, New Jersey.

•    Keep remodeling sensible. Just because certain home designs are trendy now, doesn’t mean they’ll stay that way. Also, keep in mind that many prospective buyers of older homes would prefer to do the remodeling themselves, to suit their own needs and tastes.

•    Consider first impressions. Don’t underestimate “curb appeal.” Roof replacement spruces up your home, and potential buyers will appreciate it from down the street, before they even walk through the door. Roof remodeling consistently ranks highly in Remodeling magazine’s annual Cost vs. Value report.

According to O’Neill, a worn roof is “a huge turn-off” to potential buyers and “makes people predisposed to find even more things they don’t like.”

Another upside: roof renovations can be very affordable. For example, the Value Collection Lifetime Designer Shingles from GAF (www.gaf.com), North America’s largest roofing manufacturer, provide an instant upgrade to your home without the cost and hassle of a major indoor renovation.

Address major safety issues, such as electrical capacity and boiler condition, before putting your home on the market, and you’ll be that much more appealing to interested buyers.