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!

Comments

SPRING ROOF INSPECTION

The roof is the one thing between your home and the elements... doesn’t it deserve a little respect? Here are some roof maintenance tips to preserve your home’s value. Ah, the humble roof. We forget that the single most important structural element in our home is the roof. It provides shelter for those we love and the things we value. It’s easy to let maintenance slide on something we take for granted. With better weather days upon us, now is a good time to inspect the roof and make sure it’s up to the task of protecting your home’s value. Here are some crucial elements you’ll want to look for during a roof inspection: Are the gutters clean and in good shape? Organic debris building up in your gutters can cause water to pool and foster an environment for roof rot. Do you see any curling around the bottom edges? Are there any gaps or holes in the soffit? Are there surface cracks in shingles? Cracks warn you of impending disintegration or separati

BUYING YOUR FIRST HOME: SEVEN TIPS FOR FIRST-TIME HOME BUYERS

Now that you've made the decision to purchase your first home, a hearty congratulations is in order! Becoming a homeowner, especially for the first time, can stir up some feelings of anxiety and excitement. With the knowledge that you gain through individual research and the help of your REALTOR®, you will soon begin to feel like a seasoned house hunter. Tip # 1: Do Your Homework Did you know that there are a number of incentives available to first-time home buyers? In Canada, there is the First-Time Homebuyers' (FTHB) Tax Credit. The Government of Canada introduced a FTHB Tax Credit in 2009 — a $5,000 non-refundable income tax credit amount on a qualifying home acquired after January 27, 2009. For an eligible individual, the credit will provide up to $750 in federal tax relief starting in 2009. Another incentive is the Expansion of the Home Buyers' Plan (HBP). To provide first-time homebuyers with greater access to their RRSP savings to purchase or build a

A SPRING SPREAD ANY BUNNY CAN CREATE

(Culinary.net) With spring in the air, it’s the perfect time to invite guests over for a hopping party. It’s also a great opportunity to tackle that dreadful spring cleaning and spruce up your living spaces with vibrant decor for visitors to enjoy alongside a delicious recipe. With this sweet, colorful table arrangement, your whole family can get into the spring spirit. From festive utensils, a bright centerpiece and cute snacks, your spring setup can be fresh and fabulous. It’s simple to put together and easy on the budget. Pair it with appetizers or even a main dish for a full spring party spread that’s sure to impress. Find more springtime recipes at Culinary.net . Watch video to see how to create this Spring Table Spread! Chick Cheese Balls Recipe adapted from Hallmark.com Yield: 10 chicks 1 package cream cheese 1/4 tablespoon garlic powder 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce 1/2 lemon, juice only salt, to taste pepper, to taste 1 cup fine

At Home With Valerie

Search This Blog