winter

5 Backyard Touches for Winter

 
 

As the winter months approach, many start to retreat indoors, staying warm and cozy until the spring sun returns.

However, just because the temperatures are dropping doesn't mean you can't utilize your outdoor spaces. With a few simple touches, your backyard can become the perfect winter oasis for relaxation and entertaining. This post will share five backyard touches to enhance your outdoor experience during the colder months.

Patio Fire Pit
Adding a fire pit to your backyard is the perfect way to add warmth, comfort, and entertainment during the winter. A patio fire pit creates a cozy atmosphere for gathering around, roasting marshmallows, and enjoying drinks with friends and family. It's also an opportunity to add a unique design element to your outdoor space, with options ranging from sleek and modern to rustic and natural. Ensure to keep a safe distance from flammable materials and have a fire extinguisher ready.

Outdoor Lighting
The shorter daylight hours of winter make outdoor lighting an essential component to your backyard oasis. Illuminate walkways and seating areas with soft, warm lights to create a welcoming ambiance. Consider adding string lights or lanterns to trees and structures to add a touch of magic to your backyard. For an extra special touch, install heated lighting fixtures to warm your outdoor space while providing adequate light.

Warm Furniture and Accents
Make sure to keep your backyard functional and comfortable during the colder months by adding warm blankets, outdoor rugs and cozy furniture. Embrace the season by adding festive decor like pillows with winter-related patterns and colors. To enhance your outdoor seating area, ensure it is protected from the outdoor elements with a covered pergola, gazebo, or patio umbrella.

Hot Tub
Adding a hot tub to your winter outdoor sanctuary provides an escape from the cold while offering many physical and mental health benefits. Fluffy robes, warm drinks, and snowy views make the ultimate outdoor spa experience to help you relax and unwind. Choose a hot tub with the right size to accommodate guests and ensure you're properly cleaning and maintaining it to keep it running safely and efficiently.

Winter Garden
Add winter garden elements to your outdoor space by planting winter-appropriate produce such as carrots, onions, and garlic. Consider adding garden decor like birdhouses, birdbaths, and frost-proof sculptures to add charm to your garden. By planting evergreens and winter shrubs, not only will you have greenery all year-round, but it creates a winter-focused backdrop for your winter retreat.

These backyard touches will transform your outdoor space into a winter wonderland, making it the perfect spot to relax, entertain, and enjoy all the joys that the season has to offer. By incorporating these touches, you can fully embrace the winter months and enjoy your outdoor space to the fullest. So put on those cozy socks, grab a warm drink, and create your ultimate winter oasis in your own backyard.

Read more at Rismedia.com

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5 Home Organization and Cleaning Tips for Hibernation Season

 
 

Fresh starts aren’t exclusive to springtime.

Spring cleaning is all about a fresh start and bringing in the brightness of a new season through home organization. It’s the warmup to spending less time indoors. But where’s that same level of enthusiasm for a winter reset, that can ensure our spaces are fully optimized for ease and comfort during the long months ahead?

“A lot of cultures practice ‘spring cleaning’ for various religious and historical reasons, and it has been passed down through the generations,” says Charlee Ostander, organizer, woodworker, and founder of Build & Create Home. “Our lifestyles and homes have changed significantly, however, and it may not be relevant anymore.”

Now that fall is here, it’s time to approach the gradual shift to winter with the same vigor as we do in spring. “The cold evokes feelings of coziness and hunkering down, whereas the warmer weather is seen as an ‘awakening’ and ‘kicking off cobwebs,’” says Maria Arrington, cofounder of the New York–based home organization studio Home Ease. Even if you love the cold, a refresh and reset for this time of year is necessary. We consulted three experts to find out exactly what they do to prep their homes for a peaceful and cozy season indoors.

Swap out and store

Marie Kondo once drew a direct line from our joy to the pile of clothes sitting in the chair in your bedroom. Not only does winter require more layers, but there’s also gloves, hats, heavier coats, and bulkier footwear. You need more space and different cleaning and upkeep than your warm-weather wear requires. “We tend to hoard winter gear because we just want to add layers in the cold,” Arrington explains. “I think that constant editing is important to keeping your home organized.” She says we only really need two to three coats, sets of gloves and scarves to keep in heavy rotation and to donate the rest.

Arrington emphasizes sending winter accessories like gloves and hats, which are commonly overlooked, to the cleaners, or wash them on the delicate cycle in cold water and lay them flat to dry before it’s too cold out, when you need them most. For multi-person homes, she recommends a designated coat hook per person for everyone’s winter gear to “keep the clutter contained.” Ostander is also in favor of this setup over bins and recommends mitten clips to keep pairs easy to find.

Don’t neglect the senses

While we love function, preparing for hibernation season is also an opportunity for focusing on setting up your home to feel good. Juliette von Hess, founder of Von Hess & Co, a home organizing and style company in New York, recommends switching your lamp lightbulbs. “Softer light can make a home feel cozier and is a great way to add a warmer vibe to your home as the days get shorter.” Consider trying warm white or soft white lights in the 2700–3000K range.

Von Hess notes, “Adding heavier texture in your home will automatically bring a sense of warmth into your rooms.” She likes to keep her heavy, fuzzy, real and faux-fur throws, pelts, or rugs stored until the winter months. “[You can] bring them back to life with a hairbrush,” she says.

Although she’s not a pumpkin spice or pine type of girl, Arrington argues that a winter fragrance is essential. “Something clean and warm like atlas cedar or fig to evoke a cozy mindset,” she says. “Scent is such an important and neglected sense, and it can do so much to create the right energy in a home.” Balsam fir is also pine-like without being overwhelmingly holiday-focused.

Clear out the dirt and purge your pantry

Spring cleaning rituals have existed for decades (and maybe centuries), but Ashley Dixon, a decor, DIY, cleaning, and organization consultant and content creator based in Atlanta, believes that winter cleaning is even more important. “Cozy spaces with closed doors and windows keep in germs, viruses, and bacteria that can then live in your home for several months,” she explains. Yuck, much?

Von Hess points out that “dust and dirt accumulate and people tend to forget to clean the items they use most if you can’t physically put it in a washer and dryer.” Don’t forget about vacuuming your furniture, lampshades, and drapes, along with cleaning light switches, drawer handles, door knobs, and other high touch areas.

Fall is also a great time to purge your pantry, wipe everything down and restock. “Clean out those old and expired soup cans and boxes of packaged food,” Ostrander says. “Make a list of your favorite cozy-weather meals and stock up while the weather is nice.”

Don’t forget your outdoor areas

While the weather is still nice out, you’ll want to prioritize outdoor spaces like the backyard, balcony, patio, and garage. “If you’re really ambitious or short on space, you can build an insulated storage cabinet for paints and glues,” Ostrander says while pointing out some things we store in our garages need to be protected from extreme cold temps, like paint which needs to be kept between 60 and 80 degrees.

Dixon recommends you look out for your future self early while shopping and caring for your outdoor furniture. “Investing in furniture that can withstand the conditions is helpful, but regardless, spring cleaning is much easier when you have covered your furniture through harsh winter weather,” she adds. Ostrander recommends brands like Outer and notes that pieces made from poly resin (which you can find from Ledge Lounger) or poly wood seem to last longer.

Finally, when it comes to staying warm, there’s a little maintenance to keep in mind. Ostrander recommends checking that there isn’t any furniture blocking your radiators or heat sources and says wood-burning stoves, chimneys, boilers and heating systems should be annually checked out by a pro. “Prepare a space to store your chopped wood that will be dry and easily accessible,” she says.

Declutter your entryway with trays

Winter boots are often a huge culprit for clutter and making a messy entryway. Boot trays or baskets are a great way to avoid accumulating a pile of footwear at your front door. “If you can have a stool with a basket tucked underneath, you are really winning,” Arrington says. “Trying to put on boots standing up is rough.”

Beyond apparel and accessories for winter weather, Ostander reminds us to also, “make sure those cold weather toys have a home for the winter months.” Skis, snowboards, and skates need a home that’s easily accessible enough to be ready to use, but designated enough to be out of the way for daily comings and goings.

Von Hess also advises wiping down shoes and handbags with rubbing alcohol before putting them in storage. As she continues, “put away seasonal clothing with dryer sheets and vacuum out all your luggage and handbags to be crisp and ready for next year.” There’s no reason to bring sand into the storage unit, back of the closet, or anywhere else for that matter!

Learn more at Architecturaldigest.com

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7 Signs Your Home Isn’t Ready for Winter

 
 

As the colder months approach, it's important to prepare your home for winter in order to ensure a warm and comfortable living environment.

From drafts and poor insulation to issues with your HVAC system and gutters, there are several signs that your home may not be ready for the harsh weather ahead. In this article, we'll discuss seven common warning signs that indicate your home is not ready for winter and provide helpful tips on how to address these issues. By taking the necessary precautions, you can create a safe and cozy living space for you and your family all season long. 

Drafts
Are you experiencing a sudden drop in temperature in your home? Chances are, you're dealing with a draft. Don't worry; this is a common issue that can easily be resolved. Drafts can be caused by various things, including poor insulation and cracks in your windows or doors. By properly sealing these gaps with weather-stripping or caulk, you can reduce the amount of cold air entering your home. Additionally, you may want to consider adding insulation in your attic to prevent drafts from occurring. With some effort, you can eliminate these pesky drafts and create a comfortable, cozy living space.

Poor Insulation
When it comes to keeping your home warm, proper insulation is key. Without it, you may lose valuable heat, leading to a skyrocketing heating bill. That's why it's essential to inspect your attic, walls, and crawl space to ensure the insulation is in good condition and provides sufficient coverage. If you've noticed drafts or cool spots in certain areas of your home, it's time to call in a professional to assess the situation and add more insulation if necessary. Don't let poor insulation disrupt your comfort or your wallet - take action today for a warm and cozy home all winter long.

HVAC System Issues
As a homeowner, it’s imperative to ensure that your HVAC system is working efficiently, especially during the colder months. If you notice that your home is unusually cold, stale, or emitting strange odors, it may be time to call in a professional technician to diagnose and repair any potential issues. Over time, HVAC systems can wear down and become less effective, ultimately contributing to higher energy bills, reduced indoor air quality, and compromised comfort. However, there are things you can do to help maintain your system's performance, such as changing the air filter regularly and scheduling routine maintenance. Don't suffer from a malfunctioning HVAC system any longer. Trust professionals, such as the people at Trane Supply, to ensure a warm, comfortable, and healthy home for you and your family.

Gutter Clogs
Maintaining your gutters can be an easy task to ignore, but it's important to regularly clean them out to avoid the costly consequences of clogs. When debris accumulates in your gutters, it can lead to water damage on your roof and even inside your home. Don't let clogs catch you off guard during a heavy rainstorm or snowfall. With gloves and a sturdy ladder, you can take care of your gutters and ensure the water is flowing smoothly. Don't hesitate to reach out to a professional if you need assistance. Properly maintaining your gutters will save you a lot of time, money, and frustration in the long run.

Cracks in the Foundation
Ensuring your home's foundation is in good condition is crucial to maintaining a warm and cozy living environment. Whether you're living in an older home or a new build, small cracks in the foundation can end up causing significant problems if left unchecked. In addition to allowing cold air into your home, these cracks can lead to unwanted water infiltration and structural damage. To eliminate these risks, it is essential to inspect your foundation regularly and have any cracks professionally sealed to maintain the integrity of your home's structure. With these precautions, you can enjoy a comfortable and healthy living space for years.

Poorly Functioning Chimney
As homeowners, we love the warmth and comfort a fireplace can bring, especially during the colder months. However, having a poorly functioning chimney can lead to serious safety concerns. Creosote build-up is a significant fire hazard and can cause major damage to your home. To ensure the safety of your family and property, it's essential to have your chimney inspected annually by a professional. Not only will this give you peace of mind, but it will also prolong the life of your chimney and fireplace. Don't wait until it's too late; schedule your chimney inspection today and keep your home safe and warm.

Poor Drainage
When harsh winter weather strikes, your home’s drainage system may struggle to handle the influx of snow and rain. As a result, it’s crucial to ensure your drainage is working effectively so rainwater and melting snow don’t accumulate around your home’s foundation. By checking your drainage system regularly, you can prevent icy patches on your walkways and avoid potentially serious foundation damage. So take some time to evaluate your drainage today, and ensure that it’s functioning properly to protect your home from the risks of poor drainage during the winter months.

It's essential to be proactive and address any potential issues with your home before the winter season arrives. By taking care of drafts, poor insulation, HVAC system issues, gutter clogs, cracks in the foundation, poorly functioning chimneys, and poor drainage, you can ensure a warm and comfortable living space for you and your family. Don't let these common warning signs catch you off guard - take action now to prepare your home for the colder months ahead. Stay warm and cozy all winter long with these helpful tips.  So, make sure to inspect your home and address any concerns before it's too late. With a little bit of effort, you can create a safe and comfortable living space for you and your loved ones to enjoy throughout the winter season.

Learn more at Rismedia.com

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If there is a home that you would like more information about, if you are considering selling a property, or if you have questions about the housing market in your neighborhood, please reach out. We’re here to help.

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Farmers' Almanac Predicts Frigid, Snowy Winter

 
 

The 2020 Farmers' Almanac is predicting this winter "will be filled with so many ups and downs on the thermometer, it may remind you of a 'Polar Coaster.'"

“Our extended forecast is calling for yet another freezing, frigid, and frosty winter for two-thirds of the country,” said Farmers’ Almanac editor Peter Geiger.

The guide also calls for above-normal winter precipitation over much of the United States including the Great Plains. 

The 2020 edition of the Farmers’ Almanac suggests "a memorable storm producing hefty snows for the Great Plains during the third week of January."

The coldest stretch of the winter season should arrive during the final week of January and last through the beginning of February, according to the Farmers’ Almanac, and the worst of the cold winter conditions "will affect areas east of the Rockies all the way to the Appalachians."

To read more, go to 9News.

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