Home & A Way Magazine (Issue No. 6) by National Housing Trust

Home & A WAY DECEMBER l 2019

l ISSUE 6

AN NHT HOUSING MAGAZINE

ECO-

FIXTURES CHRISTMAS DIY JAMAican Style

DESIGN IT TO LIST IT!

GROWING in YOUR SPACE

Photo by Minh Pham on Unsplash

Wealth Creation, Health, Security, Comfort, Investment, Legacy. HEAD OFFICE

4 Park Boulevard, Kingston 5 Tel: (876)929-6500-9 Toll Free: 888-991-2185-7 CUSTOMER CARE

Toll Free: 888-991-2232 E-mail: wecare@nht.gov.jm Webpage: www.nht.gov.jm

MESSAGE

MR. MARTIN MILLER MANAGING DIRECTOR

2 H O M E & A W AY

Hello Readers:

wish to extend Season’s greetings to the readers of this our sixth issue of Home & A Way.

As we close the curtains on 2019, it is safe to say that this year was a remarkable one for Jamaica’s housing industry. Revised policies and reduced interest rates bolstered by a strong economy, have endowed consumers with greater purchasing power and has boosted the confidence of investors. As a result, the effective demand for housing has significantly increased with Jamaicans both at home and abroad eager to own a piece of the rock. The National Housing Trust, NHT, is indeed proud to have been at the forefront of this growth. Since we first opened our doors in 1976 we have undergone many changes. In spite of this, our mission of empowering and improving the lives of Jamaicans through accessible, affordable and sustainable housing remains unchanged. For the period 2016-2019, we have exceeded our target of delivering 14,000 housing starts and we are well on our way to

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delivering 23,000 housing starts by 2021. At the NHT, we believe that facilitating homeownership is the hallmark of any stable society and an ideal of a forward thinking nation. It provides us with the security to look towards a brighter tomorrow, and the peace of mind to pursue our dreams. As we look forward to 2020, we remain committed to leveraging strategic partnerships in our quest to put more homes in the hands of Jamaicans through several initiatives. So, whether you’re a millennial or nearing the end of your career we believe everyone should have the opportunity to turn their own key. I would like to congratulate our magazine committee on yet another successful publication of the Home & A Way Magazine. I am confident that the information will add some cheer to your yuletide festivities and for the rest of year. Thank you for your continued support, and remember, regardless of the season, the NHT is always the key to your home.

- The Editorial Committee

EDITORIAL Home ownership is a journey. It begins with a dream of one day having a place to call home, and goes well beyond the receipt of a set of keys or even a mortgage deed or title. It’s an important observation to make, as many, in search of home ownership opportunities, usually asses the options on whether or not it is their ‘dream home’. A ‘dream home’ however is just that; a dream. Many homeowners will in fact tell you that the concept of a ‘dream home’ is not bought but is rather a constant work in progress; essentially a journey.

the housing industry. And here is a good place to pause and say thank you to the Editorial Committee for their support over these six issues. A big thank you as well to those who we call upon for guidance on how to make this oftentimes crooked homeownership journey straight for our many readers at home and indeed all across the Diaspora. I hope your page turning journey through this magazine will be littered with many ‘aha’ moments.

This issue of ‘Home & A Way’, our sixth, is a lattice work of stories about creating the ‘dream home’. They range from making changes regarding brick and mortar, to how to add that extra touch of colour, lighting, furniture or accent piece to take your decor to the next level.

As you celebrate the season and enter into the new year, wherever you are on the journey, I hope you will be inspired by the stories in the magazine. If you’re already on this journey and perhaps have made a pit stop, I hope you will be encouraged to get back on track with either plans for your next purchase or implementing those ideas that will make your home a dream.

In this issue, your usual cadre of writers with a few debutants, dug deep and assembled stories with the help of experts within

Happy reading and remember, as always, that the NHT is the key to your home and a trusted friend in this journey. Dwayne Berbick

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CREDITS Executive Editors: Neil Miller, Joyce Simms-Wilson

NHT Writing Team:

Dwayne Berbick (Editor), Rochelle Bonitto, Shauna-Gae Clarke, Danielle Edwards, Kadian Chin-Matheson, Patricia Martin-Robinson, Lajuane Thomas, Jillian Warren, Shantall Wheatley, Jae-Anne Bell

Special Contributors: Winston Roberts

Administrative Support: Shantall Wheatley

Sales and Advertising: MAPCO Printers

Design and Layout: Sutherland Wade Associates Limited NHT Graphics support

Printers: MAPCO Printers

Publisher:

National Housing Trust, 4 Park Boulevard, Kingston 5. (876) 929-6500 www.nht.gov.jm , wecare@nht.gov.jm

CONTENTS FEATURES 2 4 8

Message Editorial

Do it Yourself ? or hire a contractor?

Ruthven Towers for Modern Living

Excellence always: Commendations for the NHT

12 16 17 19 22 26 30 34 38

Do it Yourself ? or hire a contractor?

Housing - A Guarenteed Investment Curtains vs. Blinds Eco-Fixtures Christmas DIY Jamacian Style Design It to List It A Place to call my own!

Growing in your space Gardening

Small Grant, Big Impact

P26

Christmas DIY Jamaican Style

P60

P78

NHT redefining Luxury

46 50

54 58

Organizing the Late Away

From Aging to Staging Little Helpers offering BIG HELP!

P50

In the Spirit of the Season NHT Special Moments

Little Helpers offering BIG HELP!

60 63 69

P72

Paint Power

P46

From Aging to Staging

72 78

P63 If Walls could Talk

NHT redefining Luxury If Walls could talk One Sheep, Two Sheep, Three Sheep, ZZZZZ! Paint Power Organizing the Late Away DISCLAIMER: While making every effort to be accurate, the NHT will not be held responsible for any errors, omissions or inaccuracies appearing in this publication. The NHT cannot be held liable for the information by advertisers which are taken in good faith. The opinions expressed by the various contributors are not necessarily those of the NHT.

Expert Article

t i o D " " YOURSELF? ? r o t c a r t n o C OR HIRE A By Winston Roberts

ith the recent Nation-

biggest decision now is whether you will

al Housing Trust en-

do the repairs/improvements yourself or

hanced loan offerings,

engage an independent contractor. Most

each qualified contrib-

Jamaicans are familiar with undertaking

utor may benefit from

minor home improvement projects (such

the many available loan

as painting) on their own during the

products. Two such loans for home repairs

holiday seasons to give their home that

are the Home Improvement Loan and the

fresh look. But for those who believe they

Fifteen (15) Plus Loan.

possess greater skills to do larger projects by themselves, they should first consider

Let's fast forward to the point of you being approved for either of these loans, the

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the following:

1. Planning Permission:

3. Knowledge of Works:

Where a job requires a building permit, it

Most, if not all contractors have taken the time

may be an indication that the job requires

to hone their craft far beyond the offerings

greater technical expertise than you possess.

of the "YouTube University". They have an

Application for Building Permission in Jamaica

appreciation of the requisite technicalities

is guided by the Parish Council Building

required to complete the job. It is less likely

Act 1952, (By-Law), the Town and Country

that the do it “yourselfers" will be able to

Planning Act (1957), the Kingston and St.

determine the stress that new concrete slab

Andrew Corporation Act and the Building

roof may create on the building. This, as you

Code (2006). Where anyone undertakes

can imagine, may result in building fissures,

construction projects without the relevant

or the collapse of that building. Without

Building Permit will violate the law.

the technical know-how, the quality of work that may result from an untrained and

2. Potential Danger of the Works:

inexperienced do it “yourselfer” may affect

Electrical and plumbing works may seem

the value of your home, and also endanger

simple, but are very technical.

the lives of the occupants.

You may

think it's just connecting a pipe to a fitting or twisting wire, however, if they are not properly

4. Project Cost:

done, it may destroy your home, or worst,

The main driving force behind one's purpose

result in death.

to do a project themselves is to reduce the monetary cost. However, one can expect that

The poor installation of plumbing fixtures

a DIY project will cost a great deal of time.

may result in leaks that can go undetected for months, resulting in water damage, mould,

5. Liability:

and an increase in your water consumption

The advantage of having a contractor to

bill. In the case of electrical works, let’s just say,

do the work may also contractually protect

ONLY USE A LICENCED ELECTRICIAN TO

you against any delays or defects. Simply

DO YOUR ELECTRICAL WORKS (Emphasis

put, there is someone other than yourself

is subject to the author’s fear of electricity, so

to blame. In light of this, you may be

please follow my foolish advice).

compensated for unsatisfactory work.

continued...

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Expert Article

As a Project Manager, I have come to realise that the success of any project is dependent on those tough decisions one will make long before the commencement of any actual work. So after you have considered all the factors such as legal requirements, technical requirements, costs, liability and potential impact I know you will be in a better position to determine whether you should do it yourself or engage a contractor or whether you should do both.

Winston Roberts is a Attorney-AtLaw and construction management professional. He can be contacted at winston.roberts@live,com

News Feature

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for Modern Living and CONVIENCE By Danielle Edwards

So you have decided to purchase your first home... Maybe it was a housewarming you attended, the several for sale signs you have seen or simply your desire to invest in your future. Regardless of the catalyst for this new journey, homeownership should be a liberating and exhilarating milestone. However, more often than not, it can also be a complicated process, and with terms such as Easement and Under Contract, it can be an equally confusing journey. Here at the National Housing Trust, NHT, we are uniquely poised to understand the dilemma faced by first time home buyers. It is for this reason that we ensure that contributors who

qualify for an NHT housing solution are guided step by step throughout the process and are housed in developments that are affordable and accessible. Ruthven Towers is one such housing development. Nestled in New Kingston, the housing development is NHTâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s newest project in the Corporate Area and forms part of the Trustâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s plan to deliver 23,000 solutions by the year 2021. With Phase One of the Three Phase Housing development nearing completion, the Ruthven Towers offers a modern take on urban living. These spacious one and two bedroom units are hardly a difficult choice. Here are four reasons why.

Great Amenities Good housing is more than just four walls; it is the anchor that grounds a community. It is for that reason that NHT worked closely with developers continued...

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News Feature

to outfit Ruthven with modern amenities such as a jogging trail, basketball court, gym, kid’s playground, convenience stores, pool area, centrifugal garbage skip, multipurpose area and both ground level and underground parking. Achieving work life balance can feel like a mammoth task but with these added features, mortgagors can look forward to focusing on what really matters; spending time with family and friends.

Accessibility and Convenience A large number of Kingston’s working population do not reside in the parish but journey daily to work in the nation’s capital. With its central location, Ruthven Towers offers some reprieve where that is concerned. An added feature of Ruthven Towers is its close proximity to social amenities including schools, local eateries and medical facilities. NHT mortgagors also do not have to be consumed with the usual professional costs associated with purchasing a property. Since this is an NHT financed housing development, the NHT offers 100% financing (subject to affordability) and the lowest interest rates on the market.

Community Development Modern living transcends state of the art construction or contemporary finishes, modernity also takes into consideration the holistic and sustainable development of

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communities. The United Nations indicated that community development empowers citizens to live happier, healthier and longer lives. In this regard, the NHT works with residents to build community leadership, strengthen organizational capacity and foster civic pride to provide Jamaicans with communities of choice to live, work and raise families. After all, homes are not just containers, they are a place for love and connection and here at the NHT we continue to make room for that.

InvestmentCapital Growth Purchasing a house is possibly one of the best ways to invest your money. Jamaica, particularly Kingston is experiencing rapid urbanization. Therefore, a property in this area will experience a higher appreciation in value over a shorter period accumulating greater equity. This means greater security and legacy for you and your loved ones. Life can be filled with difficult decisions… choosing to call the Ruthven Towers home shouldn’t have to be one of them. l

NHT…the key to your home.

News Article

Fantastic service everytime!

â&#x20AC;&#x153;thank

you!â&#x20AC;?

TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN

Good Day,

I visited your offices today and was really pleased with the service.

I am writing to let you know about the excellent service I received from the staff in the Morant Bay Service Centre in St Thomas.

Courteous and helpful staff from the tiered parking, to the security guards at the gate and in the building, as well as, those receptionists with whom I came in contact. Finally, service representative, Clayton Nelson was professional, efficient and pleasant. These attributes matter. Congratulations! Walk good. Fae A. Ellington (Ms.) CD, MA Media and Communication Consultant "keep raising your personal bar of excellence". Good afternoon Martin, I came across a friend who was exceedingly pleased with the customer service she received from the Accounts Receivable department of the National Housing Trust. She advised me that she had a problem which was causing her stress and the efficiency and follow-up she received from the A/R department helped put her mind at ease and significantly changed her mindset of the service offered by the Trust. Special mention was made of Mark Thompson who she was most impressed with. She asked me to ensure that I passed on her extreme gratitude for this service and I would also like to extend the praise to Mark and the unit for their exemplary service. Kindly pass on these kudos to the team. Many thanks, Lennox Channer NHT Chairman

I would especially like to commend Mr. Cotchesta Watson, for his level of commitment to his job. He was courteous, knowledgeable and went the extra mile to get me the information I needed. He always gets back to me if he says he would, I felt like I mattered to him, my business mattered to him and he ensured that my questions got answered in a professional and respected manner. I travel to Jamaica quite a bit, with building my home and having to do my own contracting, I meet and deal with a lot of individuals in a lot of different capacities, and I would like you to know that Mr. Watson is one of the best I have met on the island. I supervise a team of about 9 staff, I have been working in that role for over 28 years, my business is Customer Service, so I am a subject matter expert and can speak to the level of service when I see it. On a whole the staff in the Morant Bay Service Centre is very competent and bends over backwards to give customers a positive experience at each contact, at least that has been my experience, for that they should be acknowledged. Thanks Mr. Watson, it was greatly appreciated!! Kind Regards, Marcia Gardner Supervisor Employer Services West District City of Toronto Attwell Employment & Social Services

Good Day,

Good Morning Ms. Scott:

I was just extending commendations to the team for implementing this new area to your website. I am extremely pleased and was able to complete the request for contribution refund in a sec after signing up.

I had the pleasure of interacting with Kerry-Ann Harrison during a recent grant application process. This email is long over due, as it would me remiss of me not to let you know how professional, caring and attentive Kerry-Ann was while processing the application on my behalf. I must commend her, as she went above and beyond to assist me despite moving departments mid-way through.

Once again, kudos to the team. Excellent job. Regards, Claudia Jackson Good Evening, I would like to take this opportunity to commend all NHT staff for the high level of professionalism. Excellent customer service and financial advice and support received . Thanks alot. Kind regards, Mr Newland 1 6 H O M E & A W AY

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Often times we complain when service is poor but rarely take the time to acknowledge individuals and companies when the service is excellent! I want to encourage Kerry-Ann to keep up the good work and thank her for her excellent customer service...she is a STAR!! Warm regards, Nicole Campbell

NHT News

Housing

a GUARANTEED investment

Contributed by the NH T watchdog

the demand for housing has tripled in the last

Bloomberg, declared the Jamaican Stock

decade; where Jamaicans both at home and

Exchange, JSE, as the best performing

abroad have been clamoring to own a piece of

stock market in the world. The financial

the rock.

2018,

investment

tech conglomerate indicated that the country’s main index experienced a 29

While some housing developers have already

percent increase in U.S. dollar terms with stocks

taken advantage of the increase in demand,

catapulting by 300 percent, outperforming the

others, based on size and slow moving inventory

500 companies listed on the Standard and

have not yet tapped into the market.

Poor’s index, a first for the island. And that’s a big deal.

In response, the National Housing Trust, NHT, introduced the Guaranteed Purchase Programme,

While this nascent economy still experiences

GPP, in November 2018. A groundbreaking

some obscurity when compared to other

approach to housing development, the GPP

investment markets, the recognition has done

augments the mandate of the Trust to provide

quite a bit to get the attention of global investors

23,000 housing starts by 2021 while creating

who are now looking to dock their capital on

opportunities

our banks. As a result, consumer confidence

developers.

for

investment

in the Jamaican market has improved and

for

private

continued...

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NHT News It’s a viable opportunity that allows developers

So whether you’re well-established

or a small

to focus on conceptualizing and executing their

developer, the GPP presents a guaranteed

development plans while the NHT absorbs the

opportunity to invest in housing while creating

market risk, by purchasing all the units in the

possibilities for homeownership for thousands

development or part thereof. By doing this, the

of Jamaicans.

NHT is able to leverage the efficiencies within the private sector to deliver housing projects at

NHT, a pillar of partnership and investment…

lower costs, within faster timeframes.

and always the key to your home. l

"You build, we buy... it's reallY that simple" What does this mean in simple terms? You Build, We Buy …it’s really that simple. With

projects

already

underway,

the

Programme relieves the developers of having to expend resources on marketing the property and instead provides them with a guaranteed market for whole or a portion of the housing development being constructed at a pre-agreed price point. NHT Contributors have much to gain from this Programme. They will be able to access these modern, diverse and attractive privately developed units using the NHT’s 100% financing facility for scheme purchases, coupled with other NHT value propositions to include our low interest rates and grants.

Feature

CURTAINS VS. BLINDS:

What's your verdict?

re you one of those people who are hooked on the look? A fanatic for interior design and decorating? If you are a woman, we are almost sure you fall into both or either of these categories. A man? Wellâ&#x20AC;Ś maybe. In this issue of Home and A Way, we want to zero in on the intricacies of decorating your home as it relates to window treatments, given two options; curtains or blinds.

By Shauna-Gae Clarke

Have you ever found yourself conflicted between the two? Hopefully, after reading this, we would have broken it down for you to help make your decision between installing curtains or blinds a little less mind boggling. Curtains are a very popular statement in many homes. They are available in several colours, patterns, fabrics, sizes and styles, and are usually sold by the pair. When installing these versatile soft furnishings, you can mix or match them for the perfect look; depending on your sense of style and the desired ambience . You may opt to keep a room snug and cozy by putting up thicker curtains, such as drapes, or you may want to keep it light and airy with continued...

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Feature

the use of thin or sheer curtains. Curtains are usually much cheaper than blinds, because of the nature of the principal material used to produce them, being cloth. Generally, softer materials are more cost effective than those made from harder substances. This is because less work and fewer resources are required to construct softer furnishings, resulting in lower costs, which are then passed down to the customer. Curtains and drapes can be cleaned in the washing machine or hand-washed to restore their beauty. Blinds, like curtains, are also used as window coverings; they are typically made from materials such as wood, faux wood or plastic. One major advantage of using blinds is that they can be manually or automatically controlled. That is, you have the option of adjusting them and regulating the amount of light you want to let into your space. Older style blinds made their debut, accompanied with cords that adjust their slats to open and close them. More contemporary blinds are outfitted with remotes that make it more convenient to operate. Both models are available on the market to suit your individual design needs.

The Pros and Cons Some of the many benefits of using curtains are that they are more affordable than their alternative counterparts; they are extremely versatile and they are great for setting various moods. They also help to block out unwanted noise, as the thicker the material, the less sound is able to pass through.

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On the drawback, curtains may become dirty quickly, as they are susceptible to collecting dust. They also lack the ability to adjust light penetration or filtering (they have to be either open or closed) into the space, and they are less durable than the alternative option (become torn, frizzled, etc.). In comparison, blinds can be used in any area of the home. They are easy to clean and maintain (dusting, wiping) and they are better able to filter and adjust light to your liking. Some of the inconveniencies of using blinds are that there arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t as many styles and designs available (compared to curtains), though they are still not as basic as their initial introduction to the market. Also, they can become inoperative if the cords, slats or remotes become defective, and they are not very ideal for blocking out noise because they are made from harder materials.

The Decision Now that you have a ton of information on these two decorative possibilities, you can go ahead and put on your interior designing hat and beautify your home like a pro. When next you decide to spruce up a bit and you get to the part where you need to mount your window treatments, what will you choose? Curtains or blinds? Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s your verdict?

Good Day,

Once again, kudos to the team. Excellent job. Regards Claudia Jackson

Feature

ECO-FIXTURES By Jae-Anne Bell

named,

GravityLight

ould a walking toilet that

Nobly

aims

shows up when you need

provide zero cost lighting for billions of

it grab your attention?

people living in literal darkness. London

Maybe, but there are a few

based designers, Martin Riddiford and Jim

existing home products

Reeves, are credited with the creation of this

you may not yet have

masterpiece having spent years working

heard of to consider when choosing fixtures

on an inexpensive and safe alternative to

for your home. Solar panels are great but

kerosene and candles. Unlike solar-powered

Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m about to show you five products that

lamps, the GravityLight can be operated

may make you expand your idea in whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

all day and night and under any climatic

possible.

condition with zero running costs and in infinite quantities.

Talking toilets may not be eco-friendly (or any other kind of friendly for that matter)

but what if your options include a light

using a weighty substance of your choice,

fixture powered by gravity?

such as sand or rocks, is attached to the

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"A light & power generator that harnesses the energy from a falling weight..."

device. The bag is then lifted and as the weight falls, the pulley system turns gears which

drives

the

motor,

Pictures of GravityLights from robut.uk.com

powering the LED. In one motion, the GravityLight can generate 20 minutes of incandescent light. Using this device, it is possible to generate light indefinitely – never requiring any other source of energy like sunlight or batteries. A light powered by gravity may seem like an obvious idea but until now, this use of the commodity is something previously unheard of. You can buy the device today online for $58.39 on Amazon.com. GravityLight not your taste? How about light generated by salt? SALt, which stands for “Sustainable Alternative Lighting”, works on

Pictures of GravityLights from elitereaders.com

"Genius Filipina invents revolutionary lamp powered by table sald & water..."

only one glass of water and two tablespoons of salt, providing a whole night's worth of light on one charge. continued...

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Feature Salt dun? This lamp can also function

Since we’re in the kitchen, what if there was

on ocean water - making it all the more

a product you could buy that could help you

applicable to island-life and for use in

make your favourite meals at 70% less than

coastal areas. SALt has been lighting up

your current costs? Introducing the NuWave.

remote Filipino villages, and the founders,

With a bit more creative naming convention,

Raphael & Aisa Mijeno, also from the

The NuWave Precision Induction Cooktop

Phillipines, are working to make the product

uses a series of induction coils to generate

readily available again in the near future.

magnetic fields that produce a warming reaction in steel and iron-based pots and pans. This makes only the cookware heat up and not the stove top, cutting energy lost by heat significantly in comparison to traditional gas or electric stoves. Induction cooking is now arguably the most eco-friendly way to prepare meals because this method has the potential to prevent the release of toxins into the environment. It does not use a flame so your house can stay cooler, further reducing your energy bill by eliminating the need for fans or air conditioning units. Time to throw out the gas stove? Maybe! The NuWave Cooktop is

Picture of SALt Lamp from elitereaders.com

available online for only $70 USD or $9,700 JMD. Let's allow that to simmer for a while as we take a look at other sustainable innovations for your home. What would an eco-friendly article be without a solar powered product? Preposterous, that’s what. So now, we’ll take a look at a device that anyone with a smartphone could afford and make good use of. The Solar Window Charger is not only

Picture of NuWave induction burner from dreamkitchen.solutions.com

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cost-efficient for your home, but portable

too. The solar charger can be attached to a glass window by adhesive strips on the body of the device, to capture the sun’s rays for the purpose of charging small devices such as a mobile phone or tablet. Powerbanks cannot be outdone by the Solar Window Charger because you will always need sun to operate the charger. However, when there is no power source like an available outlet and it’s a sunny day, you can keep on sending those text messages, no matter where you are.

Picture of Solar Window Charger from aliexpress.com

SinkPositive

also

budget-friendly,

eliminating the need for a stand-alone sink in small spaces. The technology also includes a

touch-free

feature

which

eliminates

interaction with germs on faucet knobs and handles. With an installation time of less than 10 minutes without the need for a plumber, it’s SinkPositive from emaze.com

a no brainer. The standard model is available for the modest cost of $139 USD or about

Coming full circle, there is one other

$19,300 JMD.

innovation that’s readily available for your water closet when considering eco-friendly

Eco-friendly fixtures, systems and materials

fixtures. The SinkPositive seeks to get you

for the home will only have an effect on

to think positively when you “do-the-do".

our environment when we take the time

SinkPositive is a replacement for your toilet

to see what’s out there and what we can

lid that turns your toilet tank into a sink,

implement. There are many more innovative

delivering a clean, environmentally friendly

ideas available today and to be created, just

flush every time. The SinkPositive system

waiting for you to include them in your dream

not only conserves in your pocket but also

home. When you buy a home, you may

conserves on your water consumption by

want that home to be around for your future

providing fresh water for your hands which

generations. When you use eco-friendly

is then used as water for the flushing of the

fixtures and ideas, you help your home have

bowl.

a world to exist in. l

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Feature

Christmas DIY JAMAICAN Style! By Rochelle Bonitto

Oh the anxiety!!! It’s Christmas time again.

“Mek di Christmus ketch yuh in a good mood”, a popular Christmas hit by a Jamaican group called Home T4, is usually the song that starts the Christmas season in Jamaica. In the true sense of the words of the song, EVERY Jamaican wants every Christmas to be great. So, what better way to celebrate than with family, food and projects Jamaicans fondly refer to as

"Christmas

Fix-Up”. For a small cost, executing a

few simple Do It Yourself projects (DIYs) may just do the trick.

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Painting Like clockwork, most neighbourhoods in Jamaica are filled with citizens who prior to planning anything else for Christmas, choose the paints and colour schemes they want to use to enhance their home for the season. You best believe it, that painting is a family DIY project that often results in an entire day of fun, laughter and lots of food. Painting

day

starts

early

and

all

participants are expected to be up with their paint brushes ready to make their house the brightest and most attractive in the neighbourhood. Both internal and external painting are done; even the stones and tree trunks are painted white, almost giving a snow-like effect. This will be further enhanced by the installation of multi-coloured lights, commonly referred to as pepper lights in Jamaica. continued...

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Feature

Enhancing and Re-purposing of Furniture It is important that the textures and tones of the furniture in each room match or complement the paint jobs. Hence, upholstery and repurposing of furniture are

cost effective ways

to enhance your space and many Jamaicans have logged on to the idea of doing it themselves. You can enhance your furniture by varnishing, re-painting or even going a step further by changing the colour of a particular piece into a conversation starter. So simple, yet so effective. That old sofa in the corner of the room, sometimes used as a clothes hamper or a bag holder can be re-upholstered into a masterpiece. Come on, grab a glue gun, a staple gun, a few nails, a hammer and a fitting piece of fabric. Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s transform that chair into an accent piece.

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The Seasonal Home Décor Refresher As is customary, rooms are rearranged, curtains are changed and the beds are adorned with the most cheerful linens. The house comes alive and everything is somehow renewed by way of these very basic gestures. Instead of purchasing expensive ready-made curtains, purchase your own fabric and hit up your community seamstress, not only do you save money you also stand a better chance of getting a custom finish. Additionally, you support a local business, which in my view, is a win win.

Re-arrangement of Furniture A simple re-arrangement of the room will allow the space to feel different and new, creating a light and breezy atmosphere conducive for the Christmas vibes.

A few simple projects can make a world of difference in your home. You really don’t have to break the bank to have a great Christmas. Just be wise and willing to “Do it Yourself” and mek di Christmus ketch yuh in a good mood.

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Feature

DESIGN it to LIST it!

By Jillian Warren

he more I think about it, the more I

Just having the visual effect from furnishings and

appreciate the concept of having a

artwork can transform the space into a warm,

unit designed before it is listed. Not

alluring, and eye-catching place that everyone

many potential buyers can walk into

will fall in love with. It is a challenge, but putting

an empty space, look around, and

art on the walls, using mirrors and shiny surfaces

use their imagination to envision

to reflect light against pale surfaces often makes

how it can be used or arranged for them to live

a big difference. It further enhances that lived-

there. As they look at it in its empty state, they

in feel and creates a classy aesthetic that helps

may ponder the placement of furniture pieces

to improve the overall look and feel to make it

and appliances or if there is adequate space to

appealing to all visitors. And this is what buyers

suit their family or lifestyle.

or homeowners want to see - how they can use the space.

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Our very own budding designers Noella

gold and brown woven into the carpet. It was

Brown

Falconer

warm, welcoming, eye-catching and inviting.

demonstrated how this could be achieved

Moving the furniture to the middle of the room

during the staging of the NHTsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; first ever

gave it a fuller look and feel and presented

Design It to List It Challenge. Their design

a cozier kind of private space you could just

concepts incorporated green innovation,

cuddle up in - not to be disturbed. Beautiful

sustainable

decorative rustic pieces were strategically

functionality, planning and redefinition of

placed in each corner of the uncovered floor

space which was complemented by an

area beyond the edge of the carpet. A pop of

amazing colour concept.

solid and stripe cushions along with the mix of

and

Shauna-Kaye

design

practices,

such

plants gave the space additional dimension Shauna-Kayeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s design concept was inspired

that contrasted nicely, which was a big plus.

by the blossom of an orange. The colour scheme was beautiful, pulling in the bold

If you like to rearrange or refresh your space

orange accent wall colour which tied in with

occasionally to reflect different themes or

the blend of other earthy colours such as sage,

seasons and explore other colour schemes continued...

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Feature

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readily, check out Noella’s more neutral, light and warm colour palette. Blending a mix of gold, blues, greens, greys and a touch of red here and there, Noella shows the versatility of the colours which contrast perfectly against the grey walls in the background. Although the dominant colour palate is blue and grey, the setting depicts a ready and easy mix of different colours to complement the shades. It shows how they can be mixed and matched, depending on a mood. The colour palette and deliberate placement of furniture - closer to, but not touching the walls, made the unit appear open, bright and airy. The design accentuated the floor throughout, so a carpet was not incorporated. This not only makes for easy clean-up of spills but helps to reflect light against the floor and walls. For greater utilization of space, tall standing furniture pieces were placed in the corners. This not only allowed for ease of movement but also helped to give the illusion of an even bigger space, and a more casual and homey feel. Your preference for one design over the other will certainly depend on your personal taste and style. Paul Esajain of the Importance of Curl Appeal purported that whichever you choose, taking time to design your space before you list it helps to “create great curb appeal, draw buyers into the home and keep them there longer so they make an emotional connection to the house, highlight the positive aspects of the home, down play the negative and show a home in the best possible light.” The design should be aimed at appealing to a range of persons and not to highlight individual taste, but we all know designing is a personal thing. Whatever you do, I say, go ahead, design it to list it and make your property stand out.

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Feature

A place to call my own

By Shauna-Gae Clarke

A Young Homeowner’s Testimonial “Family makes a house a home – The Wilsons!”

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n 2015, August to be exact, Kemar

experience with the NHT is still just as

Wilson, who was just 25 years old at the

pleasant as when he began the process.

time, started contemplating the idea of homeownership. It didn't take him long

Kemar ensures that he remains updated on

to make this significant decision.

the NHT's available homeowners' benefits and offerings. Some of these include the

Kemar knew exactly what to do and where

NHT's Home Improvement loan, the Fifteen

he would go, to realize his dream. He was

Plus and Solar Water Heater loan, just to name

confident that the

National Housing Trust

a few. Kemar expressed that he sees himself

(NHT) would be his financing institution of

applying for one or two of these additional

choice. Kemar was quite familiar with the

benefits in the future, once he is deemed

products and services offered by the NHT as

eligible. He doesn't intend to stop there

a result of the experiences of his mother who

though and keeps abreast of the upcoming

was a mortgagor.

schemes and private treaty listings.

His

first

step

was

acquiring

his

pre-

qualification and eligibility letters from the NHT which indicated that he would be qualified to access his NHT benefits to purchase a property. Kemar was delighted that the loan application process was much easier than he thought. He indicated that the officers, with whom he dealt with were very accommodating, even when he was faced with some minor

"...it is really an investment in an asset. Real property never loses value and it appreciates annually..."

challenges from the vendor. He reminisced on days when he would leave work and head to the NHT to check on his mortgage

Kemar considers his new home as both

application since he had signed the Sale

an asset and investment; in his own words

Agreement and had paid the 10% deposit

"... it is really an investment in an asset. Real

on his intended open market purchase.

property never loses value and it appreciates annually. In some cases, the property can also

Fast forward four years, Kemar is a proud homeowner,

and

maintains

that

be used to generate additional income."

the continued...

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Feature

Since purchasing his house on the open market, Kemar has made several renovations and improvements to modernise the property. He has installed new windows, doors and kitchen fixtures. He has also renovated his bathroom and painted the property.

highlighted that these renovations "added a personal touch that made it feel more like home." Kemar also provided some tips and advice to other prospective young homeowners. He advised that "if you are planning to leave the family nest, start searching early and start as young as possible. The longer you wait, the more expensive the mortgage repayments will be. Ensure that your employer is up-todate with your NHT contributions. Your first home may not be your dream home, but you can make it happen with some vision. There are no good or bad places to own a property, only you can determine if the community or area you intend to purchase in can work for you." We, at the NHT, believe that these are great tips that anyone would find useful, regardless of their age. Congratulations on realizing your dream of homeownership. Here's to four years and counting! l

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Expert Article

Growing in your Space â&#x20AC;&#x201C;

GARDENING! By Kadian Chin Matheson

n e e r g e h "T t h um b " ! h t y is a m

rown

thumbs

can

grow

beautiful gardens too! Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve always considered myself a brown thumb. In truth, I have never really tried to grow

anything and figured I would eventually grow something after I retire. That was until I rescued two sad and lonely plants from a

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supermarket. I figured that even my brown thumb ways had to be better than a life spent in a supermarket. Getting started with gardening seemed daunting and confusing. Garden stores

didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t really help, and left me feeling like a new aunt standing in the baby aisle, lost and confused. The question is, how does a brown thumb navigate the intimidating world of amateur gardening? Begin by deciding what you want to grow. Do you want to create an ornamental garden or an edible garden? You can choose to have both. Select a location to place your garden. Chose somewhere that is well lit, gets adequate sunlight and rain. Plant easy to grow plants first to get some experience. Ferns, which have over 80 varieties, are a great start for ornamental gardens. For an edible garden, you can consider starting with vegetables. Whatever plants you start with, ensure they are plants you like. This will make it more of a treat when you have your favourite veggies or flowers blooming. Trust me fellow brown thumbs, research your plants. Knowing the water and sun demands of the plant will reduce your chances of killing it. It will also let you know the expected size your plants may grow to; this will help you to place them. continued...

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Expert Article

Taking time to deadhead, weed, prune, and

Start your garden by choosing where in your

tidy up will get you in tune with the needs of

apartment you would like to have your plants.

your plants. Proper maintenance is the greatest

If you do not have a balcony you can think of

thing you can give your garden.

placing the plants near a window. You can place the plants on window sills or on furniture. As

Remember to be patient, gardening is a study

the plants grow, place them on lower furniture

in patience and doesn’t just happen overnight.

that will better accommodate their height.

Lack of patience might cause you to fuss and

Don’t relocate your plants often. Plants like

overwater your plants.

consistency. Once you find a location in which they thrive, leave them there.

Brown thumbs, living in an apartment or other type of strata arrangement should not deter you from having a thriving garden. While you may not be able to have plant beds you can achieve similar results by using planter pots, boxes and window boxes.

There are numerous benefits to having beautiful and healthy plants around and in your home. Gardening is known to reduce stress. It improves the heart health and hand strength of gardeners while the light activity of gardening improves sleep. There are financial benefits as well, along with eating what you have grown, it is estimated that a landscaped garden improves the property value of one’s home by up to 70%.

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But let us not forget the sense of accomplishment felt, when you the brown thumb, having tilled and toiled,

5. Chrysanthemum – it lessens symptoms of stress and

worry

revel in the beauty of your first harvest or bloom; disproving the myth of the green thumb.

6. Spider Plant –

it produces oxygen and purifies Whether you are starting your garden in

the air of carbon monoxide,

your yard or in your apartment, here are

formaldehyde and xylene

seven (7) easy to grow, low maintenance plants that will boost the vibe and feel of your home.

7. Snake Plant –

1. Peppermint –

the

menthol smell lowers frustration and boosts alertness

absorbs

carbon

monoxide,

benzene and trichloroethylene and emits oxygen For a brown thumb like myself,

2. Chamomile –

realizing that I could have a beautiful also a

tea, it lowers anxiety and is a sleep aid

and fruitful garden as my fellow green thumbs, has filled me with a sense of accomplishment and wonder. I now delight in rescuing new plants from the supermarket and getting to know them.

3. Lavender –

the scent

is calming and is a natural repellent for moths, flies and mosquitoes

I have even returned to dreaded garden stores and speak as one of the learned green thumbs. Take on the challenge of growing in your space my fellow brown thumbs. I

4. Aloe Vera –

look forward to welcoming you to the removes

hallowed halls of gardening. l

harmful chemicals from the air and is an anti-inflammatory

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NHT Feature

small grant,

BIG IMPACT

By Jillian Warren

n July 2017, a grant for persons with

what can be described as a simply beautiful,

disabilities of $150,000 per contributor,

heart-warming exchange.

was introduced by the NHT. The grant allows NHT mortgagors with disabilities,

Kerry-Ann is the proud owner of a studio unit at

or those who reside with and care for a

Manley Meadows, an NHT scheme in Kingston.

family member with a disability, to use

Along with her husband, they bought the unit

the funds to retrofit the home, making it more

on the Open Market approximately four months

suitable.

after getting married in March 2007. The unit is located on the upper level of these Urbana-

We spoke with Mrs. Kerry-Ann Harris, a

type homes which they have expanded into a

mortgagor and recipient of the grant for persons

two-bedroom dwelling to meet the needs of

with disabilities.

their family.

I was welcomed into the home with a warm

Their 11-year-old son, Adrian, who is diagnosed

greeting that remained consistent throughout

with autism, is a typical child; clinging to some

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electronic device, throwing a tantrum when it is taken away, never missing an opportunity to flip through the pages of books just looking at pictures. He is indeed very active. No problem for the loving and obviously caring parents and extended family giving them strong support. Kerry-Ann shared her stories of the many near misses and numbing moments of Adrian slipping down the stairs and in the middle of making Sunday dinner, having to rush off to the Bustamante Hospital for Children because he went running head first in the grille while making his move to get outside to play. Kerry-Ann explained that during the house expansion, some rails that were in place along the stairs of the original structure had to be removed to facilitate the construction. He loved going by the rails to just look over. They had to watch him constantly. She learned about the grant when she went to the Jamaica Council for Persons with Disabilities (JCPD) to have Adrian registered to get assistance for his academic needs. They were hosting a function and the NHT had a booth there. The representatives invited her in and introduced her to the benefit. She was surprised to learn of it and took some time to act on the information but eventually she did. She described her experience as being â&#x20AC;&#x153;extremely easy, not hard at all and very quickâ&#x20AC;?. She accessed the checklist of documents required via the NHTs website www.nht.gov.jm. continued...

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NHT Feature

According to Kerry-Ann, it was smooth sailing from there. She explained that Adrian’s disability was not a physical one, so she had to write a letter for consideration to be given. He is autistic and was evaluated by the UHWI (University Hospital of the West Indies) as having global developmental delay challenges and they were able to provide the supporting documents. Adrian is a student at the Promise Learning Centre on Hagley Park Road under the Special Education programme and works with a shadow teacher. “Once everything was submitted and the amount was disbursed we were able to replace the rails along the staircase and installed a grille gate at the top of the stairs by the landing to prevent Adrian from slipping down the stairs and hurting himself again.”

“The GRANT made a big difference” “The grant made a big difference” she said with a big chuckle. She no longer has to worry about him going over the rails on one of his ‘look outs’; not having to watch him any more at nights for

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fear he would slip down the stairs or worry

October 5, 2019, I could not help but

about him going on to the unfinished

think of her journey as a mom and how

section of the construction.

this small grant had made such a big and meaningful impact.

“He can move around freely and happily” she said.

She is also now eligible for a second loan of up to $2.5M, having had her first

I did not make note of the many times she

loan for over 10 years (as a public sector

said, “I am thankful and truly appreciate

worker).

the NHT” and how it has helped her and her family, but I can certainly confirm that

The call ended. I was all smiles.

there was no mistaking her sincerity and willingness to share her story. I could hear her spouse Mr Harris in the distance; he was not audible, but she echoed his sentiments in support. As she prepped to have Adrian and herself participate in the next 5K run for Special Needs which took place on Saturday,

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NHT Feature

Ageing to Staging

From

By Lajuane Thomas

It is often said that “your home is your castle”, but what happens when you are not able to do your regular activities because your home does not meet your changing needs?

Change takes different forms. Many of us may be familiar with the effects of the 2014 Chikungunya Virus (CHIKV) outbreak in Jamaica – a “traumatic” and dreaded experience that has cemented itself in the memory of Jamaicans. Some persons still tell the story of being hearty and well one moment and then plagued by aches and pains the next. With trembling voices, they share about not being able to get out of bed, not being able to walk and even how the smallest movement felt like a Herculean feat; lessened mobility, limited independent action and being unable to do activities that they were so used to completing without a second thought.

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In that moment, though for a short time,

as we age. More persons are putting plans

many of us aged. We experienced how

in place to continue living independently

activities we took for granted became

well into their golden years. However, as we

difficult. Getting out of bed, climbing the

progress through the stages of ageing, our

stairs, going in and out of the shower, doing

homes can change from being our ‘haven’

laundry, cooking and gardening became a

to being our ‘problem’.

test of our very will and strength. Simple tasks, like getting in and out of the Ageing carries similar challenges. However,

shower, will become treacherous. So how

unlike the suddenness of CHIKV, ageing is a

then can we maintain our ability to do some

process for which we can prepare - just like

of the things that we now take for granted?

retirement. Independent living during your

One such strategy is to modify/retrofit the

senior years demands preparation.

home with improved accessibility features.

We all age and are ageing. Although,

Home and A Way, asked some experienced

presently, many of us do not need to adjust

persons how they managed the effects

our environment to function, we still need to

of ageing and changes they had to make

think about how our situation may change

around their homes. They shared some of continued...

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NHT Feature

mobility ramp

Handrails

greater wheelchair accesibility

the features that significantly improved the

Reinforce walls to accommodate installing handrails and grab bars in bathrooms,

ageing experience:

bedrooms, kitchens, outdoors and any areas you may need it.

Install mobility ramps for ease of access

(into homes and vehicles).

Retrofit bathrooms with handrails and seats (consider walk-in showers, bath

steps and shower chairs).

Widen entrances and pathways for greater wheelchair accessibility.

Install

non-skid

tiles

(outdoors,

Advanced locking systems on doors to make them easier to open.

showers as well as other areas).

the home.

4 8 H O M E & A W AY

Have more seating/rest areas throughout

AN NHT HOUSING MAGAZINE

more seating in home

Advanced locking systems

Emergency features

Use easy-to-reach storage areas and furniture-

Thankfully, the NHT offers accessible loans at low

raisers to help getting up.

interest rates to meet the different and evolving needs. The available product options that can be

Install emergency features (such as call buttons

used to transform houses to increase accessibility for

and establish emergency contacts)

the inevitable effects of ageing or even for disability include the Home Improvement Loan as well as the

Yes, this may seem like a lot to consider. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s even

Fifteen Plus Loan. Even better, let us not forget the

scarier when you think about the possible costs.

Solar Panel Loan or the Solar Water Heater Loans,

However, now is the best time to start. You may not

that can be used to revolutionise quality of life. After

see yourself at that stage, but we all must get older.

all, the NHT is not just in the business of building

These are great options to consider for parents,

houses, but creating comfortable living spaces. l

grand-parents or other loved ones as we make the necessary changes to prepare for independent living well into old age.

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Feature

ByShantall Wheatley

little helpers

offering

BIG HELP! 5 0 H O M E & A W AY

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ow many times have you been

and maintain our home the way we want it.

faced with the task of calling a

It can take months to find the right person to

friend or co-worker to aid you

cater to our domestic needs.

with finding a housekeeper? One of lifeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s realest struggles

While it is difficult to find that perfect person,

I must admit is finding a good

we all have that dream, of coming home to a

housekeeper when really need one; that

spick-and-span house, the fresh scent of Lysol,

perfect person to help you to spruce up

freshly washed and ironed laundry, and all we

your home.

We sometimes struggle with

have to do is take a nice warm bath, tune in to

the thought of having a total stranger in our

our favourite Netflix series, read a book from

personal space, trusting someone to clean

our collection or just login to our social media continued...

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Feature

page. Sometimes we all need a little help to

who needed some ironing done and requested

make that dream a reality.

her help to find a housekeeper. She was able to find someone to do the job and also made a

Well, comfort is now at our fingertips at

profit. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I believe that my business was born out

LITTLE HELPERS JA. Little Helpers offers both

of necessityâ&#x20AC;? she explained. For Ellis, helping

residential and commercial cleaning in and out

her friends has always been a constant task in

of the corporate area namely in Kingston and

her life whether it was to find an apartment or

St. Andrew, St. Thomas, Clarendon and St.

to get a housekeeper. I can certainly agree with

Catherine. Joni Ellis, the architect of this novel

her that Little Helpers is a necessity. Working a

five-year old company, said that her inspiration

9-5 and sometimes on weekends, there is little

to go into business came as a result of a friend

time for me to get my house clean.

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Little Helpers, as the name suggests, was

mannerisms and they are the perfect fit for

established with the goal of helping with daily

the job.” Additionally, each client is given

tasks to make life easier. They offer several

a checklist of all the services that will be

services to suit your needs. These include:

completed based on their service request, so that they can assess whether the service was

DEEP CLEAN (dusting, wiping, windows

satisfactory.

and organizing)

l SURFACE CLEAN l RESIDENTIAL (dusting, wiping, cobwebbing, general tidying up)

l EVENTS CLEAN UP AND MAINTENANCE,

l JANITORIAL SERVICE l LAUNDRY AND IRONING l POST CONSTRUCTION and l MOVING l RESIDENTIAL CLEAN UP

Little Helpers offers its services seven days a week, eight hours per day. It is a relief to find a company that is doing such a great job in ensuring that it provides the little help that persons have been looking for, whether it’s cleaning up after an event, cleaning up your newly purchased house before moving or just doing the laundry. With Christmas just around the corner, Ellis has expanded her service offerings to include

Ellis is also looking to expand her services

upholstery cleaning, steam cleaning and

in the future to include mobile car wash and

'spring cleaning'. So for this holiday season

building maintenance. She also wants to

instead of using the few days off from work to

partner with vocational institutions such as

declutter and clean your house or worry about

the HEART Trust to assist them with training

who will clean up after the family dinner, just

students in the hospitality programme.

sit back and relax, drink a glass of home-made sorrel, eggnog and let Little Helpers cater to

Little Helpers guarantees value for money for

you. l

all their services. Ellis’ promise to each client is that her staff is trained and qualified to work in all the areas of service that is offered by the company.

When asked about the

competency, knowledge and professionalism

Contact Little Helpers Services on Facebook or Instagram @littlehelpersja or call: 876-997-8857

of her staff, Ellis explains that “The minimum requirement is three (3) years’ experience and each staff is trained and assessed in the field so we can say to our clients beforehand that we have observed their work ethic and

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Feature

In the

SPIRIT of the

Season By Lajuane Thomas

ines can be challenging to understand and reading a wine article often does not make it any easier. It

can

especially

daunting when terms like

“tannin” “full-bodied” and “tasting notes” are paraded throughout the article. These "fancy" terms can be simplified; tanning is that bitter/dry sensation in your mouth after you swallow; whereas the "body" of the wine simply means how thick or thin the wine feels in your mouth (imagine having thick red peas soup versus having broth). Lastly, “tasting notes” refers to the flavours you detect when experiencing the wine. The average man, like myself, is not interested in the region from which the wine comes or even its age. Generally, I’m

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simply interested in the taste, aroma and

•

Wines are either red, pink (rosé) or

affordability. Furthermore, once I find a

white – for now, we'll just explore

wine that I like, I stick to it. Repeating the

our reds and whites.

purchase and forever afraid to explore the possibilities of others. But as times change and wines are becoming increasingly demystified, more affordable and accessible, a wine rack is becoming a staple in many households. After all, what screams elegance more than having an array of wines for your guests to sample or for you to enjoy after a long day. Firstly, let me help you to further demystify

•

I think it is important to mention

the secrets of the rich liquid achieved

that it is a common mistake to

from fermenting the products of the vitis

believe that all red wines are dry

vinifera (grapevine). Very soon, you will be

and all white wines are sweet. Wines

shopping with confidence to fill up that

have their own identities. So, you

lonely wine rack at home.

can have a sweet red, or a sweet white, and similarly, you can have

Just as there are different personalities

a dry red or a dry white. However,

there are different wines.

if you don't like your wines dry or sweet, there are inbetweens.

•

Wines exist on a spectrum – they are complex and sometimes

•

Most importantly, wine preferences

complicated. They differ in colour,

are a personal choice. What you spend your downtime

ranging from red to white; in taste profiles from dry (tart) to sweet, and

with is as personal as

can be categorised from sparkling

choosing your companion/lover.

to dessert wines. But hey, let's keep this simple. continued...

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Feature Imagine being a single lady and going out to

be paired with red meat. Wine connoisseurs

a party with your friends. Across the dance

will specify that these pairings are important

floor, you see a slender guy with chocolate-

to enhance the flavour profile of the meal

brown skin and you are intrigued. However,

or capture the tasting notes. I find that this

your friend says she’s not interested… She’s

pairing rule is being eroded. Increasingly,

busy ogling the tall, light-skinned, muscular

casual diners are drinking what they like,

guy next to him. To further expand the

irrespective of the meal.

options, your other friend doesn’t like either of them; she’s preparing to engage her ideal

Now, not to leave you at sea, let me give

man - heavy-set and boasting a paunch,

you two cost-effective recommendations

might I add in skinny jeans. Not everyone

from each category as you start your wine

has the same taste in a partner, the same is

journey (don’t worry, they are easily found

true with wines.

on the Jamaican market):

Now that housekeeping is done, let's move on to the part that scares many persons, wine pairings.

Reds Yamana Red Sweet

A worthy buy! Its sweetness is not overbearing and there is a glorious balance of fresh fruity flavour and alcohol content. 19 Crimes: The Banished

A rich medium-body wine that tastes smoother than the original.

Whites White Zinfandel (Various Brands)

White Zinfandels are not as sweet as a Moscato but they are still an excellent option. They are light, mild and fruity. I believe that unless you are a wine professional or heavily into fine dining, the wine goes with the person having the wine.

Woodbridge Pinot Grigio

Smooth, crisp finish. Very easy on the palate. Hints of fruit. A moderately balanced wine that's suitable for light social drinking

We all have heard the pairing rules that white wine should be paired with white meat and seafood whereas red wine should

After all, home is where the wine is… l

NHT News

NHT special moments... 1.

(Left) NHT Labour Day Team poses for the camera at Charlie Smith High School

s (Above) A young Chess champion makes her best move at NHTâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Summer Camp 2019

3. s (Above)

Prime Minister, the Most Honourable Andrew Holness, Minister of Health and Member of Parliament, West Central St. Catherine, Dr. the Honourable Christopher Tufton, NHT Chairman Lennox Channer (left) and NHT Managing Director Martin Miller cut the ribbon with a new homeowner at the Handing Over Ceremony of Spanish Ridge Housing Scheme, a recently completed development in Kitson Town, St. Catherine

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s (Above) New homeowners share a kiss at the Spanish Ridge Handing Over Ceremony #NHTKeyMoments

5. s (Above)

WIHCON CEO Delroy Alcott explains the design of the Silversun Housing Scheme to Prime Minister, the Most Honourable Andrew Holness while ICD Group President and WIHCON Chairman Peter Melhado (left) and NHT Managing Director, Martin Miller (right) look on.

6. s (Above)

Ground Breaking for the housing scheme at Moneymusk, Clarendon in September 2018

(Left) Prime Minister, the Most Honourable Andrew Holness shakes the hand of Odaine Taffe, former HOPE Intern who was offered a permanent position at the NHT following his successful completion of the government run initiative.

(Right) Prime Minister, the Most Honourable Andrew Holness paused to snap this photo with HOPE interns at the NHT while on a tour of institution.

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NHT News

NHT redef ining LUXURY

By Danielle Edwards

been

a statement or standard; it is a reflection of

wedded to ideas of exclusivity and

oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s personality, an entire experience. Luxury

extravagance,

does not have to be expensive furnishings or

uxury

has

traditionally betrothed

the

privileged and wealthy few.

finishings but rather comfort without sacrificing quality.

However, the emergence of a confident

The National Housing Trust, NHT, has leveled

consumer class has created an opportunity to

the playing field to a large extent, making luxury

shift the boundaries of what has traditionally

feasible by putting more power in the hands of

been considered luxurious. Luxury is no longer

contributors with a raft of financing options.

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NHT News

In this regard, the Trust continues to revise

property on the open market (in the case of the

its policies to ensure that housing is both

Joint Finance Mortgage Programme (JFM).

accessible and affordable. In addition, two

Additional financing may also be secured

individuals can co-apply for NHT benefits,

under the Housing Micro-finance Programme

thereby strengthening their purchasing power.

with select credit unions to undertake different housing related activities to include making

In a game changing move, contributors

a down payment. Ahh, the down payment,

who intend to purchase housing solutions

often a sore point for some contributors who

developed by the NHT benefit from 100%

become daunted by the task of providing the

mortgage financing, providing that they can

deposit to seal the deal. The Contributions

afford the monthly mortgage payments.

Refund Toward Deposit, CTRD facility, can

This means more money in your pocket to

help in this regard. Contributors who are

undertake other projects to achieve the

purchasing property with NHT funding can

maximum comfort.

access refunds not yet due to assist with the deposit and other professional fees including

The NHT has fostered strategic partnerships

the surveyors cost, valuator report and legal

with

fees.

other

mortgage

lenders

allowing

contributors to access additional to purchase

continued...

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NHT News

Shifts in the global economy have resulted

Home owners who wish to undertake home

in an increase in the prices of goods and

improvement, may do so with our Home

services including housing development.

Improvement Loan of $2.5 million. So if

Having taken that into consideration,

youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re an environmentalist or just like the

the Trust, offers home grants to qualified

idea of conserving energy, these home

contributors. Contributors earning below

loans can be used to purchase solar panels.

$15,000 weekly who have contributed to

NHT contributors can also co-apply to

the Trust for over seven years, may access a

access this benefit.

grant of up to $2.5 million. So whether your idea of luxury is a At the NHT, accessibility does not just refer

10-bedroom

to home ownership but also making life

upgrading

easier for our mortgagers. A contributor

comfortably access your light switch from

who is disabled or resides with someone

your wheelchairâ&#x20AC;Śthe NHT can help you

with disabilities, can access

get there.

grant of

house your

home

a so

hillside you

or can

$150,000 to upgrade their home to assist with meeting their needs.

After all, luxury is in the eye of the Contributor. l

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Expert Article

IF WALLS... Could TALK! By Jillian Warren

he way we feel at and about our

apartment, a townhouse, a single dwelling

home depends on the look and

house with multiple rooms, a loft or studio, in

feel of the layout and design of

a rural or urban area, our walls - reaching the

the interior spaces. Some of us

ceiling or nearing half the height, demarcates

are quite okay with it as is, but

the spaces and interaction for those living

for some, the four walls may have

there. Walls, although there to secure us and

become dated, boring, and in many instances

create privacy, provide a canvas for artistic

may not mirror the hotel-like feel you had in

expression that can transform our spaces

mind for your space when you first moved in.

giving it that wow factor.

It does not matter whether you live in an continued...

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Expert Article

Creating an accent wall, incorporating specially selected wall art, frames, wall covering or paint can make your home feel brand new. Designers have also applied new finishes for wood panelling, sheetrock, stone, tiles and used wallpaper to create and delineate spaces. Miss Joelle Smith (J.S), Managing Director of â&#x20AC;&#x153;If Walls Could Talkâ&#x20AC;? shared some easy design ideas with Home & A Way (H.A.W) that you could use to improve or renovate your home.

continued...

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H. A. W: How important are walls in dĂŠcor and design? J.S: Your walls represent the largest surface area in your room. How you treat them determines the outcome of your design. Your walls set the mood/ tone for space, determine the type of interaction that you should expect, and can influence how you feel once you enter.

H. A. W: What are some of the contemporary design concepts, colours and finishes that can help to transform a space/room? J.S:

Although paint is the most common wall

application, your walls create the biggest opportunity to express your creativity. Maintaining a neutral colour palette with white, beige or grey painted walls provides a foundation for you to add layers of decor, and therefore create depth. Wall art pops against a neutral background and can be changed easily. So, if you're like me and tend to become easily bored, wall art allows you to create a new space as often as you like. Also, wall art isn't limited to a painting or framed prints. Anything you love can be mounted on a wall. With wall art, there are no limits. Wallpaper, although a little more permanent, allows you to introduce drama to a room; and the trend many of us grew up within the 70s and 80s is making a huge comeback with a variety of bold prints and textures to bring life to an otherwise mundane environment. Wall Paneling is another noteworthy trend being revived from the more traditional era of design, but mixing it with more contemporary or modern furniture pieces or decor creates a refined elegance. continued...

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Expert Article H. A. W: Is there a process we should follow when thinking of renovating or decorating a space? J.S:

H. A. W: What elements should be taken into consideration when deciding on a style? J.S:

Decide how you want to feel and how you want

Have a plan. I can't stress this enough.

others to feel in the space and determine the function

Create a mood board. This isn't reserved only for

of the room. Any room must first be functional, and

designers; but if you think about it, we use them

then aesthetically pleasing. Do not decorate before

for a reason. Mood boards organise your vision

knowing why you are selecting the decor. If you want

so you can stay on track. We are exposed to so

to feel relaxed in your living room, then your choice

much visual stimulation, that if we rely on our

of decor must reflect that. Comfortable furniture,

brains to store our design concepts, we'll become

calming colour choices like soft blues, greens and

easily distracted by the plethora of options and

warm tones are also good choices. Functionality

end up with a space that doesn't quite capture

also involves scale and proportion. Ensure that you

what you had in your mind's eye. Once you've

know the dimensions of your space as well as the

decided on your mood board, be realistic about

pieces you are purchasing relative to the space.

your budget to achieve the look you're trying

Nothing spoils a room easier than wall art that's too

to obtain. If your budget can't afford wallpaper,

small or over-sized furniture.

swap it out for large format artwork. If you can't install wall panelling, use moulding to create a similar look. There is always an alternative, so don't give up on your vision. As the adage says, when there's a will there's a way. If the process seems daunting, which it often is, solicit the help of a professional designer who has the tools and experience to bring your vision to life.

H. A. W: Are there any tips of simple things we could do to create the look and feel we desire on a budget? J.S:

Spend 80% of your budget on the functional

pieces such as furniture and structural items. The remaining 20% you should spend frugally on pieces you can change as you grow with your space. My biggest tip for wall art is to make your own. If you aren't planning on becoming an art dealer/investor, and don't have the budget for expensive art, make your own. It can be fun and adds a personal touch to your space. The finish is what matters most. Almost anything can look fabulous with the right frame.

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H. A. W: When removing a wall is not an option, how can we create an illusion of more space in a small place? J.S: Playing with scale and proportion addresses

H. A. W: Where can we find inspiration to guide a project? J.S:

Travel is the best inspiration, but if you don't

have the budget, travel digitally. Research countries or places you'd like to visit and get inspiration from

the issues with decorating a small space. Use

their culture and design. Tools like Pinterest (c) and

large wall art but appropriately sized furniture.

Houzz (c) are helpful, but often do more harm than

Colour choice also impacts the illusion of size.

good in helping you to identify a consistent theme,

Contrary to common belief, white walls don't

since you are visually bombarded with so many

always create the illusion of more space. White

options. If you have an inspirational outfit, or piece

helps to brighten, especially when applied with

of art, that helps as a starting point in identifying your

sheen since it bounces light around. Darker

colour palette.

colours help makes the wall appear to recede creating the illusion of more space. Try painting a low ceiling black, and watch it disappear. Also, invest in good lighting. Well lit spaces feel larger.

H. A. W: Are there any costly mistakes we should avoid? J.S:

Stick to the 80/20 rule and you should be

fine. Trends should be included in your 20%, not your 80%. Don't over-invest in trendy pieces unless you are sure you can live with them once the trend passes. It may seem counter-intuitive to spend money on an interior designer/decorator, but it can save you more money. Designers know where to get bargains and how to avoid expensive mistakes, a 'superpower' that will save you valuable time and money. Also, if that's not convincing enough; if the designer makes a mistake, they take accountability by fixing it themselves. Something you would otherwise have to pay for.

continued...

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Expert Article

And there you have it. Don’t be stonewalled. With Joelle’s useful, practical and sound tips you can be on your way to take your walls to the next level and watch your home come to life. I wonder what the walls of your home would tell you if they could truly speak. Jamaicans would say “God forbid”. Whatever you do, I think they would thank you. l Joelle Smith is an interior designer and can be contacted at wallsja@gmail.com. Follow her on Instragram @ ifwallscouldtalkja or visit her website www.ifwallscould talkja.com

The GPP is an initiative under which the NHT will purchase whole housing developments or part thereof, from private developers, for resale to its contributors.

GPP OFFERS WIN-WIN SOLUTIONS FOR HOUSING JAMAICANS • Developers will eliminate inventory and save on marketing costs. • The NHT will leverage private sector efficiencies to deliver more houses to more contributors, faster. Contact us for details on how the GPP works

888-Call-NHT properties@nht.gov.jm

Expert Article

SLEEP MATTERS!

One Sheep, Two Sheep, Three Sheep...

zzzzz!

If you want to be stronger, happier, and more productive, the key is ensuring you get sufficient rest. A good night’s sleep has been associated with several benefits, they include:

•

Improvement in brain function

continued...

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Expert Article

Assistance with muscle recovery Boost in longevity Balanced hormones Improved heart health Fat reduction

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But how much sleep do you need? It is highly likely that you have been told that for a good night's rest, one requires eight hours of sleep. However, research has indicated that it is not the number of hours you sleep that matters but the quality of the hours. Researchers have found that participants who sleep only six and a half hours a night live longer than those who slept eight hours. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s easy to conclude that youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll live longer if you sleep for six and a half hours a night, but the reality is more complicated.

So how do you make sure that the sleep you’re getting is of the highest quality?

• • • •

Protect yourself from junk light: Junk light is the blue light that emits from your smartphone, laptop, and tablet screens and truth be told, it is wrecking your sleep. Too much blue light messes with your brain’s production of melatonin (the hormone that tells your body when it’s time to snooze). Blue light wakes you up and tells your brain that it’s daytime. Screens aren’t the only source of junk light — street lamps and LED lightbulbs are also to blame. Protect yourself from too much blue light exposure: Use blackout curtains Unplug unnecessary electronics in your bedroom Wear blue light blocking glasses Shut down electronic devices two hours before bed

2. Meditate

every day: Has this ever

happened to you? You turn the light off at a reasonable hour, nestle into your pillow, and… your thoughts start going a mile-aminute. Did you reply to that email from your boss? What should you pack the kids for lunch tomorrow? Are you living up to your potential? If this sounds familiar, your stress and anxiety are getting in the way of you and some quality shut-eye. That's where meditation comes in. Meditation significantly lowers stress and reduces anxiety. Start meditating for just five minutes each day, and slowly work your way up to 20 minutes.

How you sleep matters: You probably don’t lose any sleep thinking about the best sleeping position but how you sleep can have a surprisingly big impact on your performance. Learn more about the pros and cons of back, side, and stomach sleeping, and how best to optimize your favoured sleep position. Or try this revolutionary sleep hack — raise the top of your bed frame by a few inches. Sleeping at an incline helps your brain flush out the debris that was built up throughout the day.

4. Fill your plate with the right fats:

What you eat affects your sleep. Your brain is the fattiest organ in the body. Highquality fats like grass-fed butter and wildcaught fish nourish your brain so it can do its job — repair itself while you sleep. The right fats also keep your blood sugar steady and hunger pangs at bay.

5. Try a high- tech sleep device: When

all else fails, try technology. You can deepen the sleep that you’re already getting with the help of high-tech sleep devices on the market. For a budget buy, a smartphone sleep app like the Sonic Sleep Coach which can track your sleep and play audio to cover any disruptive noise. On the higher-end, wearable sleep devices like headbands and rings measure your sleep, and, in the case of headbands, increases the number of slower brain waves. The result? Deeper, more restorative sleep.

Hopefully, these tips will take your sleep to the next level! l

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Expert Article

PAINT

POWER By Patricia Martin Robinson

o you ever wonder why you never

"the effects of the electromagnetic radiation

see yellow in an aeroplane? The

of light on human mood and behaviour - a

colour yellow can cause nausea,

universal, psychophysical reaction, which is

so it is avoided in aeroplanes.

not as heavily influenced by culture, age and

Aviationcv.com

that

gender as is generally thought." This is not

British scientists agree that the

to be confused with colour symbolism, which

expounds

colour blue is associated with reliability and

unlike its counterpart, is affected by culture.

security; therefore, most airlines have selected blue as their seat colour.

Certified colour consultant, Ruschiene Deidrick posits that the wrong room colour may not

Since airlines take such care in selecting the

only affect the aesthetic appeal and mood of

right colour for passengers who only spend a

the room, but it could also negatively impact

few hours flying; why not follow suit and select

the emotional and psychological state of the

the right colours for the rooms we live in? The

individual looking at the colour. She further

importance of this can be explained by colour

states that when trying to find the right colour

psychology. British colour psychology agency,

for a room, one should consider the room's

Colour Affects, defines colour psychology as

attributes.

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Ruschiene explains that a certified colour consultant is one who has a "special eye"

3) ROOM LIGHTING

for colour combination which is backed by

If there are not enough windows to facilitate

knowledge of the theories, psychology and

sufficient sunlight or the artificial lighting is

scientific use of colour to create a tasteful and

inadequate,

suitable colour scheme for the interiors and

colours may be best for that space. Put simply,

exteriors of residential, commercial or office

weak lighting makes colours appear darker

spaces. Additionally, the colour consultant will

on the wall which may sometimes create

consider a client’s demography, colour taste

shadow-effects in the corners of the room –

and current colour trends when creating the

using lighter colours increase the visual light

right colour scheme for the client.

of the room. However, if there is sufficient

using lighter/softer or brighter

and suitable lighting, it doesn’t mean that the Luckily, Ruschiene has spared us from having

room can automatically use darker/deeper

to read Colour Selection for Dummies and has

colours as the room size and décor need to be

decided to share a few of the many tricks of

factored.

colour selection. Are colours associated with state of mind?

1) DÉCOR AS INSPIRATION Don’t be afraid to find the paint colour that matches the colour of your favourite cushion or window curtain or living room rug or kitchen

Ruschiene highlights the following colours and some of their psychological properties. Additionally, Colour Affect expands these colour properties by adding the negative effects. continued...

granite countertop. If you are unsure, it’s always safer to use this method.

2) ROOM SIZE The general rule of thumb is that it's best to use lighter/softer colours for smaller rooms to enhance the visual size of the room and darker/stronger colours for larger rooms if one wants to enhance the cosiness of the space. However, you don't have to be enslaved to that general rule, but it's best to use this recommendation unless you have professional assistance.

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Expert Article

4) PRIMARY COLOURS

5) SECONDARY COLOURS

Yellow: Yellow is essentially a stimulating colour; in

Green:

this case, the stimulus is emotional, therefore yellow is the strongest colour, psychologically. The right yellow will lift our spirits and our self-esteem. Too much of it, or the pairing the wrong tone with other tones in a colour scheme, can cause self-esteem to plummet, giving rise to fear and anxiety.

Green is restful, it is the colour of balance - a more important concept than many people realise. When the world about us contains plenty of green, this indicates the presence of water, and little danger of famine, so we are reassured by green, on a primitive level. Negatively, it can indicate stagnation and, incorrectly used, will be perceived as being too bland.

Positive - optimism, enlightenment and cheerfulness.

Positive - youth, renewal, wealth, fresh, fertile, harmony and balance.

happiness,

hope,

Negative - irrationality, fear, emotional fragility, depression and anxiety.

Red:

Red is a powerful colour. Its effect is physical; it stimulates us and increases the pulse, giving the impression that time is passing faster than it is. It is viewed as stimulating, lively and very friendly. At the same time, it can be perceived as demanding and aggressive.

Negative -

boredom, stagnation, blandness and

enervation.

Orange:

Since it is a combination of red and yellow, orange stimulates stimulating and creates a combination of the physical and the emotional effects. It focuses our minds on issues of physical comfort - food, warmth, shelter etc. - and sensuality. It is considered a 'fun' colour. Negatively, it might focus on the exact opposite - deprivation. Too much orange suggests frivolity and a lack of serious intellectual values.

Positive - passion, excitement, importance, warmth, energy and love.

Positive - fruitfulness, encourages, socialization

Negative -

defiance, aggression, visual impact

and strain.

dependable, trustworthy, committed,

cool and loyal.

Negative - coldness, aloofness, lack of emotion

and unfriendliness.

7 4 H O M E & A W AY

deprivation, frustration, frivolity and

immaturity.

Blue: Blue is the colour of the mind and is essentially soothing. It evokes more of a mental reaction in comparison to Red. Strong blues will stimulate clear thought while lighter, softer blues will calm the mind and aid concentration. It is the colour of clear communication. Research has continuously shown blue as the world's favourite colour. However, it can be perceived as cold, unemotional and unfriendly. Positive -

and stimulates appetite.

AN NHT HOUSING MAGAZINE

Purple: Violet, often described as purple takes awareness to a higher level and is considered a very spiritual colour. It is highly introvertive and encourages deep contemplation or meditation. It has associations with royalty and usually communicates the finest possible quality. Excessive use of purple can bring about too much introspection and the wrong tone of it communicates that something is cheap and nasty faster than any other colour. Positive -

luxury, royal, sensual, aristocratic, spiritual and quality.

Negative - introversion, decadence, suppression and inferiority.

The colour consultant also advises that when

consultation, the colour consultant gets more

combining colours, it is important to consider

personal with the space to be designed and

how each of the paint colours will complement

walks through each room. If something inspires

the other in the selected space, and how these

a thought, the colour consultant may share a

colours will also interact with other colours in

colour suggestion for a room. By the end of

the general dĂŠcor. Moreover, she recommends

the consultation, the colour consultant would

that the chosen colour should be one that you

have gathered enough information from the

can live with since you will be seeing it every

client and the space to know what direction to

day.

take in the designing process. If there is mutual agreement to carry-on with the service, the

Ruschiene quips that a lot of her clients usually

client should expect a time estimation to create

have no idea what they want. However, in

the colour story for presentation.

visiting the space she can offer various colour combination suggestions based on the dĂŠcor,

After selecting the colours, Colour Consultant

before actually going into the process of

can assist the client in quantifying the paint

creating the colour palette. Alternately, to add

colours needed for the project, review and

a personal touch, she finds out what colours her

finalize the paint finishes needed for each area.

clients like or dislike. A third approach, which

Now, the client is confident to approach the

works like a charm, is having the client collect

selected paint company to place their paint

images of interior dĂŠcor they like from the

order. In the event a client doesn't know a

internet and then using those images as a guide

painter, the Colour Consultant may be able to

in creating their colour palette.

offer referrals.

In a nutshell, Ruschiene adds that consultation

Finally, Ruschiene advises that whenever you

for a potential paint project usually begins

are ready for your next paint project, having

with an email or a phone call. At this stage, a

a professional colour specialist to assist is a

consultation session is also booked (at least two

definite plus. Do remember that paint colours

days in advance is best). The colour consultant

are a semi-permanent fixture and can be quite

uses the information received in the first

costly to apply, so choosing the right paint

dialogue to take various tangibles to the first

colours can leave you feeling secure, down to

sit-down consultation (usually lasting one hour).

your pocket!

These tangibles are an array of colour charts, colour fans (showing mix-colour choices), wood stain charts, possibly some pieces of fabric of varying colours, a camera device, etc. In the

Ruschiene Deidrick, CfYH, BSc. (Hons.) is a certified colour consultant and can be contacted at rainbowinkja@gmail.com (email) or @rainbowinkja (Instagram/facebook).

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Feature

Organizing the Late Away: For People Who Always Are! -By Danielle Edwards

continued...

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he traffic was terrible. I couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t find my keys. My dogâ&#x20AC;Śwas moonwalking and I had to record it.

These are just a few of the excuses I have used over the past year to explain why I am, once again, late. I have barged into meetings, left out-of-town visitors drinking alone at bars and arrived at church mid benediction. I've developed a less than favourable reputation with many loved ones who exhausted their share of patience waiting while I scurried to find a vanished belt, shoe, or my keys. I can never find what I need when I need it. I had long concluded that my only option was therapy. Maybe some latent childhood trauma was the cause of my ineptitude for punctuality. I was ready to book a session until I happened upon Karen Booker, design savant and organisation queen. There may be hope yet. I set an appointment for 2 p.m. to meet with Booker at her Design Divas studio and as you can already imagine, I arrived late. 'How does your home speak to you?' was her opening question. continued...

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Feature

'How does my home what?' “When you look around does it speak to you with anger? Or love? And if you invited someone to your home what would it say to them about you?' I was both interested and confused. I had never really thought about how my home spoke to me, and if it did, I would have left, without question. Sensing my confusion Booker explained that our homes were extensions of ourselves and offered telltale signs about our internal state. How orderly we kept our homes, particularly our bedroom, bathroom and the kitchen was directly correlated with our self-esteem. Disorganization gave way to feelings of unworthiness, guilt and procrastination. Being punctual was more than just time management, it was organising our homes to make it easier for us to get ready, through the door and feeling good while doing it. If you're like me and suffer from being late by way of disorganisation Booker shares a few tips and tricks that will have your space more functional and organised before you know it.

1. Purge This age of consumerism is a marketers dream. Companies have managed to convince us that we need more than we do. We have too many things and not enough space to put them, which creates clutter. This, unfortunately, diminishes our efficiency.

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So, what’s the first step on the road to punctual redemption? Purge. For someone with a packed schedule, this would be a mammoth task. Booker, in a bid to quell my concerns, advised that this process need not be daunting. Pour a drink, turn on your favourite tune and for an hour or so, over a week, room by room, go through each drawer, box, closet, and identify those items you either want to store, stash or give. Booker’s rule- if you haven’t used it in over a year, it’s time to let that item go. Now that your space is clearer, let’s get to organising!

2. Your Sitting Room FURNITURE SHOULD BE MULTI-PURPOSE Multi-purpose furniture pieces help maximize available space in a home and also get twice the use because of functionality. Invest in thoughtful, innovative furniture and design solutions to help a space function better. Storage Ottomans are great for your living space. Not only are they chic they are purposed to store items like magazines or remotes.

Take for example this modern twist on the sofa bed. No need to invest in a recliner, a couch, and a guest bed with this bad boy. It does it all. The back of the couch can be adjusted into a recliner position. It also can transition into a bed when you have guests.

padding which can serve as an additional seat. If you have a bit more to spend, you could also go bigger and opt for one that closes and functions as a display unit.

3. Kitchen ORGANISE YOUR UTENSILS You're cooking and can't seem to find that one utensil that will do the trick. The search is both time-consuming and frustrating. Shave a whopping 20 minutes off your cooking time by simply organizing your utensils with these nifty items. For your cutlery, you can use an inexpensive drawer organizer. For your pots, plates and teacups you can try using racks. These are available at most household stores.

STASH THE SHOES A rule of thumb in many a Jamaican home is to remove your shoes before entry. So what do we do? We kick off our shoes at the door which creates an unsightly mess. This, according to the ancient Chinese art of Feng Shui, stagnates the flow of chi energy. Booker highlights that a shoe caddy should be placed near the door. This makes for easier retrieval and ensures a tidier entrance. Some shoe caddies also come with

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Feature 4. Bathroom u Our

bathrooms are usually an afterthought when it comes to organization. However, after our bedrooms, the bathroom is critical to the getting ready process. Think of adding a bit more organisation and storage with labeled transparent storage drawers. Ladies, no more rummaging through your hair products to find that stack of hairpins or brush.

Make use of your shower by adding a shower caddy to the mix. You no longer have to waste time hopping in and out, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll have everything you need and will be done in a jiffy.

5. Bedrooms Probably the holy grail of our homes, our bedroom is where we spend the most time. Since childhood, our bedrooms have operated as the grounding force in our home lives. It is where we do just about everything, and yet, it is probably one of the most cluttered spaces in our home. Booker highlights that if our rooms are disorganised we carry that feeling of disorganisation with us throughout the day, which can lead to decreased performance and increased stress.

CLOSET

Booker advises that your closet should have open shelving. Not only will it optimise the use of the space it will also allow you to keep a visual catalogue of the items you already have, which will prevent, you guessed itâ&#x20AC;Ś consumerism. Booker also advises that a basic rule of thumb is to organise clothing based on functionality. For example corporate wear should be grouped separately from casual wear. This makes it much easier to find what you need when you need it. Not enough space in your closet to hang your clothes? Booker highlights that one can invest in Space-saving clothes hangers which will allow your closet to hold up to ten times as much clothing.

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One of the most underutilized closet organisation tools is a valet. A valet rod slides out and tucks away neatly when not needed. The valet can be used to hang an outfit that you may need either later that day or even the next morning.

LINEN CLOSETS

Changing your sheets, a task that should take no more than 15 minutes sometimes lasts for 45 minutes because we can't find all the pieces. To solve this, Booker suggests using vacuum bags to store your bed linen. Vacuum bags work by removing the air and sealing the items allowing for the storage of bulky items in compact spaces. They're also travelfriendly and do a great job of creating space in your suitcase.

SHOE SHELVES

For those of us who are shoe lovers, Booker offers a designer savvy solution, use a bookshelf! Not only will the shelves offer the needed storage, they can add some finesse and sophistication to your dĂŠcor.

Armed with this knowledge, I took Booker up on her organisation challenge and it worked! It took me less than a week to purge and with Booker's tips, my space feels and looks roomier. I can find what I need with eyes closed. It also took me less than half the time to do my customary Christmas cleaning and preparations. Best part, I get to enjoy more time with my loved ones because I now have the joy of saying â&#x20AC;&#x153;I'm early." l

Karen Booker, is a certified design consultant and can be contacted at karenabooker@gmail.com follow her on Instagram @ karendezigndivabooker and Facebook @Dezign Diva.

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Home & A Way Magazine (Issue No. 6)

Articles inside

Organizing the Late Away: For People Who Always Are!