Geauga County Maple
What to Give New Homeowners this Holiday Season
By MetroCreative
the real estate market has been a wild ride in recent years. sellers have cashed in on record-breaking profits, and buyers have had to compete against many others — some times in bidding wars — for a limited number of properties. once listed, homes are selling fast. as interest rates rise and inventory in creases, things are likely to change, though for some it did not come soon enough.
Individuals who were lucky enough to find a new home this year may discover they now have little money to outfit those homes. Shoppers with new homeowners on their hol iday shopping lists may want to help those loved ones outfit their homes this season. The following are some home-related gift ideas to get shoppers started.
• Video/smart doorbell: Although the smart doorbell market began with only a handful of options, there’s now a bevy of man ufacturers who make video and smart home doorbells. These doorbells serve the dual purpose of alerting homeowners to someone at the door, while providing surveillance of the comings and goings outside of the home. Depending on the product, a subscription may be needed to access video history. Doorbells range from $50 to $200 and more depending on features and resolution.
to a popular furniture store in the area will provide the head-start new homeowners need to secure sofas, dining sets, lamps, rugs, and more.
• Furniture gift card: There’s a good chance new homeowners will need to furnish new rooms in a home, particularly if they’re coming from an apartment or a smaller place. Many people also like to update furnishings when they move into new places. A gift card
• Household tool kit: What better way to prepare new homeowners for the do-it-yourself projects and household repairs than with a tool kit? Home improvement retailers often package common tools needed in carrying cases or sets, but shoppers can grab separate items they think will be used and group them together into one gift. Pliers, screwdrivers,
wrenches, a level, and measuring tape are good starter tools.
• Customized doormat: Give that new home additional curb appeal with a doormat customized with a special message or the new homeowners’ names, such as Welcome to the Smith Home. Other customizeable products include cutting boards and wall plaques.
• Programmable thermostat: A programmable or learning thermostat will help new homeowners save on their energy bills. Many thermostats now pair with smart home sys-
tems and phones and automatically adjust the temperature as needed to reduce energy consumption.
• Linens: A high thread count sheet set or plush Turkish cotton towels may not be something new homeowners think to get for themselves. But these luxurious gifts can make life at home more comfortable. Moving into a new home is an exciting yet expensive endeavor. Carefully curated gifts can tap into what new homeowners need the most.
Tips to Simplify Holiday Cooking
MetroCreative
Food is an important component of the holiday season for millions of people across the globe. Many a holiday host has wrestled with what to serve for their gathering and how to prepare meals while still finding time to spend with loved ones. Sometimes simplicity is the way to go when hosting for the holidays. Just because certain dishes are less labor-intensive to prepare does not mean they lack flavor. Hosts can consider these tips to simplify holiday cooking this year.
• Utilize shop-fromhome services. Supermarkets can be particularly busy this time of year. By shopping from the comfort of home, holiday hosts can sort through their lists and let someone else navigate crowded store aisles. The small fee involved for this service can be well worth the time saved.
doesn’t immediately turn it into a potluck. However, it can reduce some of the work the host has to do. Figure out who is bound to be an early arrival, and ask that person to bring an appetizer. Individuals who like to be fashionably late can bring side dishes or desserts. Delegating beverage detail also can be a time-saver.
• Scale back the sides. Some hosts feel an impressive dinner spread is one with plenty of options. Several side dishes requires a lot of time and money, and such foods may take away from the star of the table. Guests might fill up on rolls, potatoes and salads, leaving little room for the main course. Scaling back on sides creates more time for hosts to mingle with family and ensures everyone gets their fill of the main course.
• Delegate some of the work. Asking guests to bring a little something to the meal
• Familiar is often fabulous. A major holiday is seldom the right time to experiment with a new, labor-intensive dish. Rather than risk an epic fail, hosts should stick to meals they have prepared before. Also, familiar flavors may appeal to a greater number of guests.
• Include some prepared foods. While it is perfectly alright to cater the entire dinner, that can prove costly. If budget doesn’t allow for a fully catered meal, supplement with some prepared dishes to help save time, particularly those recipes that can be complicated.
• Make it a buffet. Sit-down dinners require careful timing to ensure all foods are set out hot and ready-to-eat. A buffet-style meal involves preparing trays of food in advance, and then setting them to heat in chafing dishes until meal time. This involves far less strategizing with meal preparation and frees up time for hosts to spend with guests.
Holiday meals require a lot of effort, but some handy suggestions can ensure hosts have ample time to spend with loved ones.
Tips to Make Guest Rooms More Welcoming
MetroCreative
Millions of celebrants welcome family and friends into their home as overnight guests each holiday season. Hosting loved ones during the holiday season is a selfless act that enables families to create the kind of lasting memories that make December such a special time of year.
As hosts prepare their homes for loved ones this holiday season, they can consider these tips to make guests rooms as welcoming as possible for friends and family.
• Check the bedding and replace, if necessary. It’s easy to overlook the comfort of bedding in a guest room, particularly since hosts may never sleep in their own guest rooms. When furnishing a guest room, it’s not unheard of to repurpose an existing mattress from an owner’s suite or another room and use for guest room bedding. Though that’s acceptable, it’s necessary to periodically inspect a guest room mattress to make sure it’s still comfortable and supportive. If not, replace the mattress. A mattress topper, a new comforter and a new set of soft sheets also can make guest room bedding more comfortable.
• Clear out the clutter. Guest rooms can easily become depositories for old furniture and other items, which can create a cluttered and less than welcoming atmosphere in a space. Give each guest room a thorough onceover before guests arrive, removing pieces that might be creating a claustrophobic vibe. Keep in mind that guests will bring luggage, so a less cluttered space with ample room for
their bags can make it easier to settle in.
• Take a cue from hotels. Hotels ensure guests have ample creature comforts at their fingertips. Holiday hosts can do the same when welcoming loved ones into their homes. Provide ample bed and bath linens, ensure the room has ample lighting so guests can read at bedtime and get dressed in plenty of light in the morning. A foldable luggage rack is another nice touch that can keep guests from having to dig through their suitcases on the floor.
• Add an armchair where possible. A spacious guest room allows hosts to provide some extra creature comforts. If the room allows, place a comfortable armchair and side table in the space so guests can read a book or catch up on the news on a tablet or smartphone. A comfortable, quiet and secluded place to sit provides guests a respite from the hustle and bustle of a home filled with holiday guests.
• Install window coverings, if necessary. A feeling of privacy is another important creature comfort guests will appreciate. Replace existing window treatments if they do not provide adequate privacy or if they do not keep the elements out in the morning. For example, a room that is sun-soaked by early morning each day may make it hard for guests to get sufficient sleep. Some blackout curtains or a new set of blinds allows guests to determine the amount of natural light that will greet them each morning.
Some simple tips can help holiday hosts turn their guest rooms into welcoming spaces for their loved ones.
Be Mindful of Pets During The Holiday Season
MetroCreative
The magic and wonder of the holiday sea son can be enthralling for people of all ages. There is so much to see and do during the holiday season, making it easy to forge lasting memories.
With so much to do in December, life at home can sometimes feel a little hectic, es pecially for the family pet. Although the hol idays can be exciting, the season can induce anxiety in pets. Pets like cats and dogs often thrive on routine and familiarity. Switch up that routine and various behavioral issues can arise, including having accidents in the home. Pets also may become more destruc tive, chewing or clawing at items to release pent-up tension and anxiety. Pet owners who want the season to be festive for their pets can consider the following strategies.
• Gradually introduce new items. Grad ually decorate living spaces so pets can grow acclimated to their newly decorated environs. Add a few pieces to rooms each day until you finally have all of your decorations out for display. This way pets can sniff around the decorations and realize they do not pose a threat.
the ceiling or wall like you might secure a large screen TV to prevent it from tipping over. Keep breakable ornaments and other trinkets behind display cases or beyond the reach of pets.
• Keep familiar pet belongings. Try not to upset the apple cart too much in regard to pets’ cherished possessions. For example, do not move the dog bed from the living room and place the Christmas tree in its place. Pets need that familiarity and having some of their items with familiar smells can make for a smooth adjustment to holiday decorations.
• Designate a pet-safe zone. If you will be inviting people over during the holidays, set aside a room for pets so they can be in relative quiet away from boisterous crowds. Locking pets away also helps prevent their escape from the home as guests come and go.
• Secure the tree and other decorations. Pets are often curious about new things, and they may climb or paw at items to try to understand them better. Decorative items may end up being knocked over by curious pets. Secure the tree using a string and an anchor to
• Discourage pets from using decorations as toys. Reprimand pets or move them away from holiday decor so they don’t get the idea that these items are now their toys.
• Be careful with holiday foods. Holiday foods and desserts are rich and full of ingredients that may not be healthy for pets. Keep a secure lid on trash pails and remind holiday guests that pets should not be fed table scraps. Pets may need some time to adjust to the changes that come with holiday decorating and celebrating to keep them happy and safe.
The Most Popular Rooms to Remodel
MetroCreative
Home improvement trends come and go. In a testament to that reality, the wildly popular open floor plan concepts that have dominated homeowners’ desires over the last decade-plus could be falling out of favor.
The shift away from open floor plans is a testament to the fleeting nature of home renovation trends. But trends still deserve a place at the table among real estate investors and homeowners who want to renovate their homes with an eye on projects that could be most appealing to prospective buyers. As homeowners balance their own preferences with those that might help them sell their homes down the road, they can consider this list of the most popular rooms to renovate:
9. Dining room
10. Home office
When considering renovating these or other rooms, homeowners should know that Houzz researchers found that the median spend increased for most interior room upgrades compared to the previous year. However, the median cost to upgrade living rooms and home offices remained unchanged.
Maximize Outdoor Spaces This Holiday Season
MetroCreative
The holiday season comes at a time when the weather can be anywhere from cool to frigid. But even if the weather outside is somewhat frightful, holiday entertaining in outdoor spaces can still be delightful. Making the most of outdoor spaces during the holidays and the rest of the winter can enable guests to spread out, which should make things more comfortable for them. With that goal in mind, the following are some tips for putting outdoor areas to good use when hosting loved ones this holiday season.
• Decorate first. An easy way to make outdoor entertaining spaces more welcoming is to coordinate the decor with the interior of the home. Greenery wrapped with lights around railings and fencing can create the perfect ambiance. Candles, wreaths and small, decorated Christmas trees can finish the effect.
• Consider a fire or heating element. Unless you live in a temperate climate, you’ll need some way to keep guests warm. Center the outdoor entertaining space around a fire pit, outdoor fireplace or an outdoor heater. Make sure to illuminate the outdoor area so that guests can find their way around with ease.
• Host an early gathering. The sun sets early in fall and winter, so it may not only get colder, but also darker at a time when guests typically arrive. Think about moving up the
start time of your holiday event if you’ll be having an outdoor area, so guests can see one another and stay a little warmer.
• Use the grill. Keep foods warm by using the grill or an outdoor griddle; otherwise, set up the food buffet-style inside so guests can make their plates and gravitate where they feel comfortable.
• Provide blankets or fleeces. In addition to warming elements around your entertaining space, stock a large basket with cozy throws, blankets or fleece jackets that guests can use to warm up. Hats and scarves also may be appreciated.
• Invest in waterproof furniture. Upgrade your exterior seating with plush outdoor couches and lounges that are decked out in weather-resistant fabrics. Make them more comfortable with throw pillows that coordinate with a holiday entertaining theme.
• Set up two drink stations. Set up beverages both inside and outside the home so guests can easily refill their drinks wherever they are relaxing. Think about having some warm drinks outside, such as mulled cider or hot chocolate, so guests can be warmed from the inside as well.
• Use a wireless speaker. A Bluetooth-enabled wireless speaker placed outside allows guests to listen to holiday tunes while they are enjoying themselves.
Using well-equipped outdoor areas for entertaining can expand the possibilities and guest list for holiday gatherings.
Real or Artificial? The Tree Debate Continues
MetroCreative
People are pasionate about the things they love. Through the years there have been many debates over a wide range of topics, from which cola brand to back to which book/ movie character was more deserving of a lead character’s heart.
The holiday season features a classic ex ample of taking sides. The debate surround ing artificial Christmas trees and their natu ral alternatives will pick back up this holiday season. As with any debate, there are two sides to every story. Those on the fence as to whether to go real or fake this year can consider these pros and cons of each.
Real tree
Pros: One of the biggest advantages of a real tree is its pleasing aroma. The fresh pine smell of a natural tree can trigger memories of Christmases gone by and make a home feel cozy and holiday-ready. It takes many years for a Christmas tree to grow large enough to be harvested, and as it grows it provides a habitat for animals and benefits the planet by absorbing carbon and providing oxygen, ac cording to Megan Quinn, coordinator of con servation biology at the Nature Conservancy of Canada. When trees are cut down, two or three may be planted in their place. Buying a real tree from a business nearby also sup ports the local economy.
Cons: Real trees can be messy and require upkeep like daily watering. Cutting down a tree oneself and bringing it home can help guarantee freshness, but there is really no way to know when trees at Christmas tree lots were cut down. This means that needles can begin falling the moment the tree is placed in the living room. Another thing to note is that live trees can’t be placed just anywhere. They shouldn’t be next to fireplaces or heat sources, where they can dry out prematurely and pose a fire risk. A real tree also might have unwelcome bugs or animals hiding within its branches. According to Penn State Extension, anything from spotted lanternflies to spiders to aphids to bark beetles or lice may be on a real tree.
Artificial tree
Pros: Artificial trees can be convenient because they are easy to assemble, disassemble and store. Plus, you don’t have to venture out each year to get one. Unlike real trees, artificial trees do not require watering or vacuuming to manage fallen needles. Since artificial trees can be reused for numerous seasons, they may be more cost-effective than
real trees. Artificial trees can last anywhere from six to 10 years, but that life span depends on the quality of the tree and how well it is maintained. Artificial trees also guarantee a uniform, pleasing look year after year.
Cons: Artificial trees are made from polyvinyl chloride and other plastics, and environmentalists attest that those ingredients make them bad for the environment. According to an assessment study of artificial versus natural trees published in 2009 by Ellipsos, a Montreal-based sustainable development consulting firm, an artificial tree emits 8.1 kilograms of carbon dioxide per year, compared to 3.1 kilograms of carbon dioxide emitted by a real tree in a given year. In addition, the chemicals used in manufacture may have adverse effects on human health and often are non-recyclable. Artificial trees also take up room in homes year-round since they need to be stored. Plus, they don’t emit a pleasing aroma.
The debate over a real or artificial Christmas tree is sure to rage on year after year, so it’s up to holiday celebrants to make their pick.
Fireplace Safety During The Holiday Season
MetroCreative
Gatherings with family and friends are an integral component of the holiday season. Certain rooms in the house are on display more than others, with kitchens, dining rooms and living areas serving as popular places to congregate. Of course, fireplaces also serve as popular gathering spots in homes that feature them.
Lighting a fire in the hearth can make any space more cozy, but doing so comes with some hazards. Consider these fireplace safety tips in advance of the holiday entertaining season.
• Have the fireplace inspected and swept professionally. Prior to lighting the first fire of the season, ensure that a professional inspects the fireplace, chimney and venting to ensure everything is in good condition. The chimney also should be swept to remove excess debris and buildup that could pose a fire hazard.
• Keep items away from the fireplace. Wrapping paper, rugs, clothing, magazines, and the like should be kept at least three feet away from the flames, suggests the American Red Cross. Also, make sure decorations are hung securely and a safe distance away from the fire.
• Check your smoke alarms. Be sure the home has working smoke alarms on every level of the house. And keep a fire extinguisher close to the fireplace.
• Never burn wrapping paper. Wrapping paper contains additives, like dyes, that make it burn extremely hot. Do not think of discarding
wrapping paper by burning it in the fireplace.
• Keep the tree a safe distance away. Although it makes for the perfect Christmas photo backdrop, Christmas trees and fireplaces should not be near each other. Also, the Christmas tree is not safe to burn in the fireplace after the season, as the wood has not been properly dried or seasoned.
• Use a screen on the fireplace. Make sure the fireplace is properly covered by a screen to stop embers from escaping when the wood pops and sparks. The screen also can help keep decorations and other objects from falling into the fire.
• Keep the fireplace clean. Promptly remove any ash and debris from the fireplace after it has cooled to improve indoor air quality and provide greater control over the next fire when it is burned, advises the American Society of Home Inspectors.
Fireplaces bring warmth and add ambiance to a home, particularly during the holidays. But safety must prevail when lighting fireplaces.
Thoughtful Gifts for Aging Parents
MetroCreative
Children typically want to treat their parents to something special during the holiday season. Parents do a lot for their children, and when those kids become adults, a desire to express their appreciation for Mom and Dad grows.
According to The Wrap Up: Snappy’s 2022 Holiday Gift Report, the majority of Americans (64.2 percent) report they need help when it comes to holiday gifting. They may want to carefully consider a recipient’s interests, as the report also discovered more than half of all Americans want a gift that reflects their personal interests and hobbies. When shopping for elderly parents, it may not be as simple as identifying interests, particularly if Mom and Dad are experiencing age-related health issues. Consider these gift ideas that may be ideal for the aging adults in your life.
• Cozy blanket: Older adults may have trouble regulating their body temperatures, which can translate to feeling cold a lot of the time. A new blanket or throw for a bed or to cuddle up with in a favorite recliner might be the perfect gift.
• Family history book: Budding writers can interview their aging parents and jot down family stories. Those stories and anecdotes can be compiled into a book and combined with photos to make a family history log, which can be gifted back to the interviewee.
• Gripping slippers: Slips and falls can injure aging adults and put them out of commission for quite some time. Sturdy and secure slippers with anti-slip soles are good for getting around the house and making quick trips to take out the trash or get the mail.
• Robotic vacuum: Keeping up with the household chores is easier with a robotic vacuum that automatically scours carpets and hard-surface floors. This eliminates having to wrestle with a cumbersome vacuum.
• Key finder: A key finder can help adults
find their keys if they are misplaced. Some employ radio frequency, while others utilize Bluetooth technology and can be paired to a smartphone.
• Magnifying light: Older parents who like to do puzzles or close-up work like knitting or stitching can benefit from an LED lamp that also has a magnifying glass built right in.
• E-reader: Avid readers may enjoy an e-reader because they don’t have to find spots to store even more books in their homes. E-readers can be customized so the print is the right size for the reader’s needs. Also, the devices are lightweight and easy to stow in a bag.
• Automatic card shuffler: Parents who are known card sharks around the community can use an automatic card shuffler to make card play even easier.
• Resistance bands: Resistance bands are like large rubber bands that exert force to strengthen muscles and improve flexibility. They can help aging adults stay in shape in a low-impact way.
• Dining gift cards: When parents do not want to spend additional time in the kitchen, they may opt to visit a favorite restaurant. A combination of a gift card to a favorite establishment as well as pre-paid taxi or ride share service ensures a good meal and a safe ride home.
Although they seem to have everything, aging parents still can benefit from some thoughtful gifts.
The Facts about Insulation And Home Efficiency
MetroCreative
Insulation can go a long way toward making a home more comfortable. Insulation reduces the transfer of heat from indoors and outdoors so homes stay more comfortable in both the winter and summer. Insulation also can block exterior noise. A properly insulated home is a must, particularly in the wake of rising energy costs. Insulation will help a home be more energy efficient.
Insulation is easily taken for granted. The following are some facts about insulation and home efficiency that illustrate how much homeowners can benefit from upgrading their insulation.
• Insulation is made from a variety of materials, including fiberglass, wool, cellulose, and spray foam.
• Unless damaged, insulation lasts for the life of the building. Some settling of insulation may occur, particularly with loose-fill type insulation, and gaps can be filled in.
• During the Middle Ages, walls of homes were stuffed with straw and mud to help keep out the cold. It is one of the first documented types of insulation.
• According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, insulation saves more than 600 times more energy each year than
compact fluorescent lights, Energy Star Appliances, and Energy Star windows combined.
• For every Btu consumed in the production of insulation each year, 12 Btus are saved by the use of insulation, says A+ Insulation of Kansas City.
• An insulating material’s resistance to heat flow is measured in terms of its thermal resistance, or R-value. The higher the R-value, the greater the insulating effectiveness. An insulation contractor can let a homeowner know how much insulation and what R-value is recommended for his or her climate.
• Manufacturers continue to experiment with insulation materials. Environmentally friendly options include recycled cotton denim, paper or plant cellulose, and sheep’s wool.
• Large pieces of insulation are called batts. Traditionally they are made from pink fiberglass, which is extremely fine woven glass. It’s important to realize fiberglass insulation can release small particles or fibers in the air when disturbed, so respiratory protection and gloves should be used when handling to reduce risk of irritation.
Insulation is a key investment in home comfort and efficiency.
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